Top 25 Interior Design Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas offers a dynamic and well-regarded landscape for interior design education, with numerous programs accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). CIDA-accreditation is a key marker of quality and is often a prerequisite for professional licensure, such as the NCIDQ exam, in many states.

The state is home to a range of programs, from large public universities with nationally ranked schools to private institutions and community colleges that provide strong foundational training. The University of Texas at Austin boasts the oldest interior design program west of the Mississippi River, first offering classes in 1912, while other programs across the state have built strong reputations for their hands-on curricula and industry connections.

Top 25 Interior Design Schools In Texas

1. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)

UT Austin’s interior design program is consistently ranked among the best in the state and the nation . The Bachelor of Science in Interior Design (BSID) is a rigorous, four-year, CIDA-accredited program housed within the School of Architecture, which is a unique setting that encourages interdisciplinary learning. The curriculum emphasizes a studio-based, “learning-by-doing” approach, integrating design history, sustainability, and emerging technologies with practical skills . Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCIDQ exam. The program’s long history and strong reputation give graduates a significant edge in the competitive design field.

2. Texas Tech University (TTU)

Texas Tech University offers a Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) program that is professionally accredited by CIDA. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, digital technology, design research, and environmental sustainability, providing students with a comprehensive, hands-on education. The program requires internships for real-world experience and has produced a vast alumni network with influential positions in top design firms. Texas Tech has a sizable student body, and its program is highly regarded for its focus on preparing students for entry-level design practice and advanced study.

3. Texas Christian University (TCU)

TCU offers a CIDA-accredited Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design through its College of Fine Arts . The program is well-regarded for its strong focus on sustainability and human-centered design. The curriculum covers diverse areas such as space planning, furniture design, and lighting, and students have opportunities to engage with industry professionals through internships and design conferences. TCU’s program provides students with a wide array of creative resources and cross-disciplinary learning experiences within a supportive university environment.

4. Baylor University

Baylor University offers a CIDA-accredited Bachelor of Science in Interior Design through its Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. The program emphasizes preparing students to meet the aesthetic, functional, and economic needs of clients, focusing on both residential and commercial design with touches on sustainable and universal design principles. It is a studio-based major that requires students to complete an internship for credit, providing valuable hands-on experience and global opportunities through study abroad programs . Annual tuition is approximately $58,100.

5. University of North Texas (UNT)

UNT’s CIDA-accredited interior design program is part of the College of Visual Arts and Design, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The program is popular and competitive; in a recent year it awarded 44 interior design degrees, making it one of the more active programs in the state. The curriculum covers design theory, interior architecture, professional practice, and sustainable practices, and includes comprehensive senior capstone projects . Students also benefit from UNT’s location, which provides access to a large and vibrant design market with plentiful internship and job opportunities.

6. Texas State University

Texas State University offers a CIDA-accredited Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a major in Interior Design. The program emphasizes creative problem-solving, design theory, and technical skills, covering areas such as ideation, concept development, materials, construction, life safety codes, and business practices. It was founded in 1972 and has been continually accredited since 1988, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to quality . The program prepares graduates academically to take the NCIDQ examination .

7. Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU)

Stephen F. Austin State University offers a CIDA-accredited Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. The program focuses on developing students’ knowledge in design fundamentals, space planning, and building systems. It emphasizes a practical, hands-on approach to design and technical skills, giving students a strong foundation for entry-level positions in the profession. The program provides a supportive learning environment for aspiring designers.

8. University of the Incarnate Word (UIW)

Located in San Antonio, UIW offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design that is CIDA-accredited, one of only 14 such programs in Texas. The program emphasizes environment, behavior, the design process, and career readiness, integrating the latest technology to prepare students for the workforce. Students are prepared to sit for the NCIDQ exam to become a licensed professional interior designer . This program is a strong option for students in the San Antonio area seeking a private university experience.

9. Collin County Community College District

Collin College offers an associate degree in interior design, and a recent ranking placed it as the #3 best school for interior design in Texas. It awarded 29 interior design degrees in a recent year, making it one of the most popular programs at the associate level . This option provides a more affordable entry point into the field, and many students may use this as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year CIDA-accredited program .

10. University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)

UTSA offers a Bachelor’s degree program in Interior Architecture, and its recent  graduating class included 32 students. This program provides a strong foundation for students interested in the built environment and interior spaces, emphasizing design principles and technical skills. It is a solid public university option in South Texas for students seeking a career in the field.

11. University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston offers a degree program in Interior Architecture, graduating 22 students just recently . The curriculum focuses on the architectural aspects of interior design, preparing students for careers that require a deep understanding of building systems and spatial design. As a large public university in a major city, UH provides students with access to diverse internships and professional opportunities.

12. Houston Community College (HCC)

Houston Community College has a well-regarded Interior Design program known for its focus on preparing students for immediate entry into the workplace. In 2024, the college awarded 49 degrees in Fashion and Interior Design. While not a four-year university, HCC provides a strong, practical foundation that can lead directly to employment or be used as a transfer pathway to a bachelor’s program.

13. Dallas College

Dallas College offers Fashion and Interior Design programs across its campuses, awarding 21 degrees recently. It is a very large, public institution offering affordable education and a pathway to a career in interior design. The program offers associate degrees and certificates that can help students build foundational skills or launch their careers directly.

14. San Jacinto Community College

San Jacinto Community College offers Fashion and Interior Design degree programs, awarding 4 degrees in a recent year, including 2 Associate’s degrees and 2 Certificates. It is a public institution in the Houston area that provides a more specialized, career-focused education. This option is ideal for students looking for a direct, skills-based program.

15. Sam Houston State University (SHSU)

Sam Houston State University offers a CIDA-accredited interior design program, with 14 students graduating in a recent year. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the design industry. It provides a well-rounded education in design fundamentals and professional practice.

16. Abilene Christian University (ACU)

Abilene Christian University offers an interior design program that awarded 10 degrees in a recent year . The program has a small student population, allowing for more personalized attention and mentorship from faculty. It is a private, faith-based university located in Abilene.

17. El Centro College

El Centro College, part of the Dallas College system, offers an interior design program that awarded 10 degrees in a recent year . It is a public institution located in the heart of Dallas, providing students with direct access to the city’s design industry. This is an affordable option for students seeking a career-focused education.

18. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University is a top-ranked public institution with a strong engineering and architecture focus. While its programs are highly regarded, specific CIDA-accredited interior design degree information was not available in the search results, making it a potential program for further research.

19. University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington offers programs in related design fields, contributing to the state’s robust design education landscape. Specific CIDA-accredited interior design degree details were not available in the search results, so it is recommended for further investigation.

20. Texas A&M University-Commerce

Texas A&M University-Commerce is another institution in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that provides related design education. More specific information about its interior design program would require direct contact with the university.

21. El Paso Community College

El Paso Community College offers Fashion and Interior Design degree programs in West Texas, awarding 23 degrees in 2024 . It is a large, public institution providing affordable and accessible education for students in the region looking to enter the design field.

22. St. Philip’s College

St. Philip’s College in San Antonio offers Fashion and Interior Design degree programs, providing another pathway for students in South Texas . As a public, two-year institution, it offers an accessible and affordable starting point for a career in design.

23. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has a program in Family and Consumer Sciences with concentrations related to interior design. More specific information about CIDA accreditation or program status would require direct contact with the university.

24. Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University offers programs in fashion and design, with related courses that may be relevant to an interior design career. Specific details about a CIDA-accredited interior design program were not available in the search results.

25. Hill College

Hill College is a public institution with a broader arts curriculum. Its interior design offerings are less prominent than others, so direct contact is recommended to confirm program availability. If confirmed, it can really e worth the effort because the institution has produced many prominent people in the state.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Choosing a School

Start by checking if the program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). CIDA accreditation is a key benchmark of quality and is often required for professional licensure and for sitting for the NCIDQ exam, which is necessary to become a registered interior designer in Texas.

Consider the program’s focus; some programs, like UT Austin’s, are heavily integrated with architecture, while others, like Texas Tech, are in human sciences, offering different perspectives.

Evaluate the cost and location, as public universities and community colleges offer more affordable options, while private universities may provide more specialized resources.

Look into internship and study abroad opportunities, as programs like Baylor’s require internships and offer global experiences that can significantly boost a resume.

Closing

Texas provides a comprehensive and high-quality landscape for interior design education, anchored by top-tier programs like UT Austin, Texas Tech, and TCU, alongside strong options at community colleges like Collin College. Whether you aim for a prestigious university program or a more affordable starting point, Texas schools offer strong curricula, many with CIDA accreditation, to prepare students for the professional world and the NCIDQ exam.

The wide variety of options ensures that students can find a program that matches their career goals, whether it be in residential design, commercial design, or a specialized field like sustainable design. Note that all information, including tuition, program details, and accreditation, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school.