School Profile

Harrington College of Design has a Long History of Innovative Vision
 

A Single Vision
In 1931, a practicing interior designer from New York, Frances Harrington, traveled to Chicago to provide a series of lectures for interior design professionals. Because of the growing interest in her lectures, Ms. Harrington expanded her offerings to the public by creating Harrington Institute of Interior Design.

A Growing Design School
As the school grew, Ms. Harrington provided a diploma program to her day division students. When Ms. Harrington retired in 1959, one of her former students, Robert Marks, assumed leadership of the school and it has continued to flourish and grow.

Harrington Becomes a College
Most recently, with its broadened list of educational offerings, Harrington Institute of Interior Design has changed its name to Harrington College of Design to include digital photography and communication design to its curriculum of interior design.

Mission

The mission of Harrington College of Design is to create the next generation of design professionals to lead and serve the global community.

Building on a tradition of excellence, Harrington strives to deliver an unmatched educational experience by offering a faculty of practicing professionals; innovative programs of design; a progressive curriculum and student-centered approach enriched by the historic, vibrant and diverse culture of Chicago.

Campus Locations

Admissions

Apply Early for Admission to Harrington College of Design

Students may begin studies in our Interior Design, Digital Photography or Communication Design degree programs during the fall, spring or summer semesters. Harrington College maintains a selective admissions policy into our design school. We’re seeking:

·         Application for admission

·         Attestation of graduation from high school or equivalent

·         Request for official high school transcript, GED or equivalent

·         Payment of non-refundable application fee

·         Aptitude for creativity

·         Commitment to achieving professional and personal goals

Previous training in art is not essential.

Programs / Majors

Financial Aid

Harrington College of Design Supports You in Financing Your Interior Design Degree

At Harrington, we are committed to helping every design student finance their degree, whether they are applying for financial assistance or paying cash. Many Harrington students utilize financial aid to help with their educational costs, and we have helped many design students just like you. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Harrington students may be eligible for the following financial assistance programs:

• Private loans
• Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
• Federal Stafford
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Federal Pell Grant
• Scholarship opportunities: Harrington College of Design High School Scholarship from $250 to $1,500 is available to local high school students*

* For detailed information regarding scholarship opportunity please view current school catalog or contact the Financial Aid Department.

Service and Leadership Development Scholarship (New Students)

Adult/Transfer Student Scholarship

Don’t let finances stand in the way of reaching your goals. Contact us today to speak with our financial aid staff or to learn more about our quality interior design, digital photography or communication design degree programs.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award certificates, diplomas, associate degrees and bachelor degrees.

Harrington College of Design is an independent institution of higher learning serving the profession of interior design and digital photography and is recognized as a private college by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The College is authorized by that board to confer baccalaureate and associate degrees.

In May, 2007, Harrington was notified that the Institution became a Candidate with the Higher Learning Commission and an affiliate of the North Central Association, www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org, 312-263-0456. In August, 2007, Harrington relinquished its grant of accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Harrington College of Design’s Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly FIDER). The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Interior Design is not accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.