New York School of Interior Design

New York, New York, United States · Est. 1916 · Private (non-profit)

Specialized interior design college on Manhattan's Upper East Side, founded 1916, ranked top-five nationally.

  • Founded 1916 by architect Sherrill Whiton; chartered by NY Board of Regents in 1924
  • Private nonprofit college focused exclusively on interior design
  • Located on East 70th Street, Upper East Side Manhattan; additional graduate center on Park Avenue South
  • Enrollment ~538 students (381 undergraduate, 157 graduate); 22% international from 35+ countries
  • Ranked top-five in interior design by DesignIntelligence for five consecutive years; only accredited graduate program in top-five by CIDA
  • 98% undergraduate and 100% graduate employment/further education within six months of graduation (2016–2017)

Academics

NYSID offers certificate, three undergraduate, and four master's degree programs in interior design. The curriculum emphasizes working knowledge of textiles, materials, color, space planning, sustainability, CAD/BIM software, building codes, and professional practice. The BFA in Interior Design and professional-level MFA-1 are accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), meeting educational requirements for the NCIDQ Exam. Graduate programs include specialized tracks in healthcare environments, digital practice management, lighting design, and sustainable interior environments.

Campus & Student Life

The main campus occupies East 70th Street on the Upper East Side, with a LEED-Platinum Graduate Center opened in 2010 on Park Avenue South and 28th Street. The college provides housing, student clubs and organizations, a library, counseling center, disability services, and career and internship services. Average class size is approximately 13 students, with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The average student age is approximately 30.

Admissions

NYSID accepts undergraduate applications on a rolling basis with recommended deadlines of March 1 for fall and October 1 for spring semesters. Graduate applications are recommended by March 1, with rolling consideration thereafter if space remains. The college welcomes international students and offers online learning options. Admissions requirements and detailed application instructions are available on the college website.

Accreditation & Recognition

NYSID is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and is an institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The BFA and professional-level MFA programs hold specialized accreditation from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). The college has been reaccredited in 2007 and 2017, following initial accreditation in 1996.

Founded
1916
Type
Private (non-profit)
Courses
9
Total intake
Not yet verified
Websitehttps://www.nysid.edu
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
9
Avg career outcomes
$48K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources