Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
The Vibe Check
RMCAD feels like a creative sanctuary where individuality is not just accepted but required. The suburban campus buzzes with a collaborative, hands-on energy, resembling a professional art studio more than a traditional university. It's an intimate community where your unique artistic voice is nurtured by peers and faculty who are deeply passionate about their craft.
Academics & Majors
The academic core is anchored in the visual and performing arts, with strong, industry-relevant programs in animation, fashion design, and graphic design. Teaching is intensely hands-on, with a low student-to-faculty ratio that allows for personalized mentorship from instructors who are active professionals in their fields. While research is often applied and project-based rather than theoretical, students have significant opportunities to build professional portfolios through collaborative studio work and real-world client projects.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Lakewood
Lakewood offers a laid-back suburban lifestyle with easy access to the excitement of nearby Denver, just a 20-minute drive away. Students enjoy exploring the vibrant Denver arts scene, including museums, galleries, and music venues, while also taking advantage of Lakewood's proximity to the Rocky Mountains for hiking, skiing, and outdoor recreation. On campus, student life is centered around creative projects, gallery exhibitions, and collaborative events.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($42,958):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The Lakewood, Colorado campus is located in a safe, established suburban neighborhood with low crime rates. RMCAD has its own campus security team that provides 24/7 patrols and emergency response services to ensure student safety.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Highly specialized, career-focused programs in creative fields with a strong emphasis on portfolio development.
- ✓ Low student-to-faculty ratio allows for personalized mentorship from instructors who are working professionals.
- ✓ Strong community feel with a collaborative, non-competitive atmosphere among students.
- ✓ Located in the Denver metro area, providing access to a growing creative industry and outdoor recreation.
Cons
- ✗ The 38.3% graduation rate is significantly lower than the national average, which can be a major concern.
- ✗ The retention rate of 57.8% suggests that a notable portion of the student body does not return after their first year.
- ✗ As a specialized art and design college, it lacks the breadth of majors and traditional university experience (e.g., varsity sports, large lecture halls).
- ✗ The average net price is relatively high compared to the median earnings of its graduates.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
RMCAD is known for its specialized, career-focused education in the creative arts. It has particularly strong programs in animation, graphic design, and fashion design, with a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning. The college is recognized for its low student-to-faculty ratio and its intimate, studio-like environment where students receive personalized mentorship from instructors who are active professionals in their fields.
RMCAD has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants. This means that if you meet the basic application requirements, you are likely to be accepted. The most critical component of the application is the portfolio, which is evaluated for creative potential and skill, rather than high school GPA or test scores, which are not required for admission.
Campus life at RMCAD is centered on creativity and collaboration. The small, suburban campus fosters a tight-knit community where students are deeply engaged in their studio work. With a student body of under 2,000, the environment is intimate and non-competitive. Students spend much of their time in studios, labs, and the campus gallery. Social life often revolves around creative projects, student-run events, and exploring the nearby Denver arts and culture scene.
The value of an RMCAD degree depends heavily on the student's career goals and financial situation. The average net price is relatively high, and the low graduation rate is a significant factor to consider. However, for a student committed to a career in the creative arts who benefits from a highly supportive, mentorship-driven environment, the specialized training and portfolio development can be a worthwhile investment. Prospective students should carefully compare the cost to the median earnings in their desired field and maximize scholarships and aid to make it financially viable.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Suburban
- Undergrad 3,145
- In-State Tuition $23,720
- Zip Code 80214
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of over $28,000, the degree represents a significant financial investment that may be challenging for some families. However, since 100% of students receive some form of financial aid, the sticker price is rarely what is actually paid. The return on investment is moderate; a median 10-year earnings of $42,958 is typical for arts-focused fields but requires careful financial planning to ensure the debt load is manageable.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.