8 Best Interior Design Schools in Phoenix, AZ

About the School

Phoenix College is a public community college located in central Phoenix.

It is one of the most direct choices for students who want an interior design program within the city rather than commuting to Scottsdale, Mesa, or Tempe.

It can be a good fit for beginners who want a structured, affordable program with studio and technical design coursework.

Programs Offered

Phoenix College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design.

The program covers design fundamentals, color theory, architectural and furniture history, drafting, CAD for interior design, space planning, interior materials, rendering, codes, and regulations.

Students can expect a mix of creative studio work and technical training, which helps build a beginner portfolio.

Tuition and Cost

For Maricopa County residents, tuition is commonly around $97 per credit.

A 60-credit associate degree can cost around $5,800 before fees, books, supplies, and materials.

Students should also budget about $500 to $2,000 per year for books, drafting supplies, design materials, printing, software, and portfolio expenses.

Program Length

The AAS degree is usually about 2 years of full-time study, or longer for part-time students.

About the School

Scottsdale Community College is a public community college northeast of Phoenix.

It is one of the strongest local options for students who want a dedicated interior design pathway with a residential design focus.

The campus is close enough for many Phoenix-area students, especially those in north Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and the East Valley.

Programs Offered

SCC offers an Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design.

The program emphasizes residential design, design fundamentals, design technology, space planning, materials, real-world design projects, and portfolio development.

Students interested in professional interior design work should ask how current courses support transfer, portfolio review, and future NCIDQ-related planning.

Tuition and Cost

Tuition for in-county Maricopa students is generally around $97 per credit.

A 2-year, 60-credit program may cost about $5,800 in tuition before fees.

Books, supplies, software, printing, model-making materials, and portfolio preparation may add about $1,000 to $3,000 across the program.

Program Length

The AAS program is designed as a 2-year program for full-time students.

About the School

Arizona State University is a large public university with major design programs based in nearby Tempe.

For Phoenix students who want a university-level design education, ASU is one of the main options in the region.

It is better suited for students who want a 4-year degree, a broader design-school environment, or a pathway into advanced study.

Programs Offered

ASU’s Design School offers interior design and interior architecture-related study options through the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

Students may study design theory, studio practice, drawing, digital design, space planning, materials, building systems, and design communication.

ASU is a more intensive route than a community college certificate because it usually includes a larger studio sequence and broader design foundation.

Tuition and Cost

ASU costs vary by residency, campus, program fees, and housing.

Arizona resident undergraduates should expect university tuition and fees to be much higher than community college, often in the range of several thousand dollars per semester.

Students should also budget for a laptop, software, studio supplies, printing, books, and portfolio materials, which can add about $1,000 to $3,000 per year.

Program Length

Bachelor ’s-level study is usually 4 years.

Graduate interior architecture pathways are typically about 2 years, depending on the student’s background.

About the School

Chandler-Gilbert Community College is a public community college southeast of Phoenix.

It can work well for East Valley students who want a Maricopa College option with interior design or design technology coursework.

It may also be useful for students planning to transfer later into a bachelor’s program.

Programs Offered

Chandler-Gilbert is connected to Maricopa’s interior design and interior design technology pathways. Related coursework may include interior design basics, CAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, drafting, rendering, space planning, design communication, and materials.

The Interior Design Technology certificate is especially useful for students who want software and drafting skills for entry-level design office support.

Tuition and Cost

Maricopa in-county tuition is generally around $97 per credit.

A shorter certificate may cost roughly $1,500 to $4,000 in tuition, depending on credit load, while a 60-credit associate pathway may be closer to $5,800 before fees.

Software, laptop needs, books, and design supplies can add about $500 to $2,000 per year.

Program Length

Certificate programs may take about 1 year.

Associate degree pathways are usually about 2 years full-time.

About the School

Mesa Community College is a public community college east of Phoenix.

While it may not be the first choice for a traditional interior design studio degree, it is useful for students who want CAD, drafting, and technical design training that can support interior design, architecture, construction, or space-planning work.

Programs Offered

MCC offers Computer Assisted Design and Drafting programs.

Students can study CAD software, technical drawing, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, construction documents, and design communication.

This can be a practical route for students who want to work with floor plans, technical drawings, architectural offices, or interior design firms that need drafting support.

Tuition and Cost

In-county tuition is usually around $97 per credit.

A shorter certificate may cost around $2,000 to $4,000 in tuition, while a longer associate degree can be around $5,800 before fees.

Students should also plan for software access, a capable computer, textbooks, and possible lab or technology fees, often adding about $500 to $1,500 per year.

Program Length

Certificates may take 2 semesters to 1 year.

Associate degree options are commonly about 2 years.

About the School

GateWay Community College is a public college in Phoenix and part of the Maricopa Community Colleges system.

It is a good option for students who want technical design, CAD, and drafting skills without leaving the city.

This is more of a drafting and design technology route than a traditional decorating or interiors-only program.

Programs Offered

Gateway offers Computer-Assisted Design and Drafting.

The coursework can include CAD fundamentals, technical drawing, design documentation, 3D modeling, and drafting methods used in architecture, engineering, and construction settings.

For interior design students, this type of program can be useful for learning how to prepare accurate plans and communicate design ideas clearly.

Tuition and Cost

Tuition for in-county students is generally about $97 per credit.

Depending on the certificate or degree path, tuition may range from about $2,000 to $6,000 before fees.

A student may also need to budget for books, CAD software, computer equipment, and printing costs, often around $500 to $1,500 per year.

Program Length

Short certificates may take 1 year or less.

Associate degree options are commonly about 2 years.

About the School

Glendale Community College is a public community college northwest of Phoenix.

It is a practical option for West Valley students who want architectural drafting, CAD, and building design skills that can connect to interior design work.

It is especially relevant for students more interested in technical drawing than purely decorative design.

Programs Offered

GCC offers Architectural and Civil CAD Technology, CAD Fundamentals, and CAD Application options.

Students can learn 2D drafting, 3D drawings, BIM software, construction documentation, presentation methods, and architectural design support skills.

These programs can be useful for students who want to work with designers, architects, contractors, or building planning teams.

Tuition and Cost

As a Maricopa school, tuition is usually around $97 per credit for in-county students.

A fast-track certificate may cost roughly $1,500 to $3,000 in tuition, while a full associate degree can cost around $5,800 before fees.

Students should also plan for software, textbooks, lab fees, and computer requirements, usually around $500 to $1,500 per year.

Program Length

CAD Fundamentals can often be completed in 2 semesters or less.

A full AAS degree is usually about 2 years.

About the School

Estrella Mountain Community College is a public community college in Avondale, west of Phoenix.

It is not the closest option for every Phoenix student, but it may be convenient for students in the West Valley.

Its most relevant interior design option is through online continuing education rather than a full traditional interior design degree.

Programs Offered

Estrella Mountain offers online interior design-related courses, including residential interior design training and interior design basics through continuing education partners.

These programs may cover space planning, color, materials, residential design concepts, client communication, and preparation for residential interior design credentials.

This option is best for students who want a flexible, beginner-friendly course rather than a full associate or bachelor’s degree.

Tuition and Cost

Short online continuing education courses are usually less expensive than degree programs.

Students may see costs ranging from about $100 to $3,000, depending on whether they take a short class or a more complete residential interior design training program.

Extra costs may include books, optional software, design materials, and a home computer.

Program Length

Short courses may take 6 weeks to a few months.

More complete online residential design training may be self-paced and take about 6 to 12 months.