The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) is a respected, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting quality standards for interior design education. With over 35 years of experience, CIDA accredits programs at colleges and universities in the United States and internationally, currently overseeing more than 170 accredited programs that serve approximately 20,000 students. Their mission is to enhance the profession of interior design through rigorous standard setting in education, advocating for ongoing improvement and professional excellence.

CIDA's comprehensive approach includes establishing educational standards, evaluating interior design programs through self-assessments and site visits, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders in the design community. They are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for their professional-level accreditation processes which culminate in bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Core to their values is a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that the standards elevate not just educational quality but also the human experience within the built environment, all while advocating for continuous advancement in the interior design field.