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Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

Just west of Denver, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is known for a studio-first approach where ideas get tested, revised, and pushed in critique. Students work across fine arts, design, and digital media with faculty who keep one foot in professional practice. Light-filled studios, galleries, fabrication shops, and digital labs sit beside spaces for research, advising, tech support, and wellness care.

Campus life leans creative and collaborative: student-run shows, pop-up markets, visiting artists, late-night builds. And when you need a breather, trails, parks, and an outdoor culture are close. The college has a reputation for portfolio-centered career prep, with reviews, internships, and industry feedback that help translate studio work to jobs. Lakewood and nearby neighborhoods offer galleries, creative businesses, and nonprofits, giving students chances to exhibit, volunteer, and connect. Traditions like end-of-term critiques and campus-wide exhibitions keep the work public and the conversation honest.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 1600 Pierce St, Lakewood, Colorado, 80214, USA
Phone: +1 (303) 753-6046
Website: rmcad.edu
Unit ID: 127945

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private for-profit institution (operates for revenue)
Accreditation: HLC
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Residency
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Baccalaureate - Diverse Fields
Campus Setting: Located in a large suburb (outside principal city, 250,000+ population)
Tuition: In-state: $23,273 (Tuition $20,913 + Fee $2,360) · Out-of-state: $23,273 (Tuition $20,913 + Fee $2,360)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 1,888
Undergraduate: 1,878
Graduate/Other: 10
Male: 465 Female: 1,423
Applications:
Total Applicants: Not available
Admitted: Not available
Enrolled: Not available
Staff:
Total: 365 Full-time: 203 Part-time: 162

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Colorado. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Colorado vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Arts (10)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0401 Design and Visual Communications, General. (Cert2y+)
A program in the applied visual arts that focuses on the general principles and techniques for effectively communicating ideas and information, and packaging products, in digital and other formats to business and consumer audiences, and that may prepare individuals in any of the applied art media.

Graduate Career Earnings in Colorado

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Colorado Avg CO vs US
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $71,680 -$39,770 (-35.7%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $70,730 -$31,510 (-30.8%)
27-1021 Commercial and Industrial Designers $88,000 N/A N/A
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $64,970 -$3,640 (-5.3%)
27-1027 Set and Exhibit Designers $78,450 $74,810 -$3,640 (-4.6%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 $45,090 -$32,910 (-42.2%)
50.0406 Commercial Photography. (Cert2y+)
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences, and recording events and people, via digital, film, still and video photography. Includes instruction in specialized camera and equipment operation and maintenance, applications to commercial and industrial needs, and photography business operations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Colorado

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Colorado Avg CO vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $70,730 -$31,510 (-30.8%)
27-4021 Photographers $55,650 $48,430 -$7,220 (-13%)
50.0407 Fashion/Apparel Design. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic principles and techniques to the professional design of commercial fashions, apparel, and accessories, and the management of fashion development projects. Includes instruction in apparel design; accessory design; the design of men's', women's', and children's' wear; flat pattern design; computer-assisted design and manufacturing; concept planning; designing in specific materials; labor and cost analysis; history of fashion; fabric art and printing; and the principles of management and operations in the fashion industry.

Graduate Career Earnings in Colorado

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Colorado Avg CO vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $70,730 -$31,510 (-30.8%)
27-1022 Fashion Designers $122,430 $93,690 -$28,740 (-23.5%)
50.0408 Interior Design. (Cert2y+)
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to apply artistic principles and techniques to the professional planning, designing, equipping, and furnishing of residential and commercial interior spaces. Includes instruction in computer applications, drafting, and graphic techniques; principles of interior lighting, acoustics, systems integration, and color coordination; furniture and furnishings; textiles and their finishing; the history of interior design and period styles; basic structural design; building codes and inspection regulations; and applications to office, hotel, factory, restaurant and housing design.

Graduate Career Earnings in Colorado

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Colorado Avg CO vs US
25-1031 Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $110,360 $84,450 -$25,910 (-23.5%)
27-1025 Interior Designers $71,430 $72,530 +$1,100 (+1.5%)
50.0410 Illustration. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to develop and execute interpretations of the concepts of authors and designers to specifications. Includes instruction in book illustration, fashion illustration, map illustration, rendering, exhibit preparation, textual layout, cartooning, and the use of various artistic techniques as requested by clients.

Graduate Career Earnings in Colorado

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Colorado Avg CO vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $70,730 -$31,510 (-30.8%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $58,200 -$21,290 (-26.8%)
27-1027 Set and Exhibit Designers $78,450 $74,810 -$3,640 (-4.6%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 $45,090 -$32,910 (-42.2%)
50.0411 Game and Interactive Media Design. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the design, development, and programming of interactive media entertainment, including computer and video games, virtual environments, Internet applications, and other interactive media. Includes instruction in theory of games, turn-based games, real-time games, visual and interactive design, story development, animation, simulation, and programming.

Graduate Career Earnings in Colorado

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Colorado Avg CO vs US
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $96,150 +$1,680 (+1.8%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $94,090 -$16,020 (-14.5%)
50.0605 Photography. (Cert2y+, AltPostBac)
A program that focuses on the principles and techniques of communicating information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the creation of images on photographic film, plates, and digital images and that may prepare individuals to be professional photographic artists. Includes instruction in camera and equipment operation and maintenance, film and plate developing, light and composition, films and printing media, color and special effects, photographic art, photographic history, use of computer applications to record or enhance images and applications to the photography of various subjects.

Graduate Career Earnings in Colorado

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Colorado Avg CO vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $70,730 -$31,510 (-30.8%)
27-4021 Photographers $55,650 $48,430 -$7,220 (-13%)
50.0702 Fine/Studio Arts, General. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to generally function as creative artists in the visual and plastic media. Includes instruction in the traditional fine arts media (drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, CAD/CAM) and/or modern media (ceramics, textiles, intermedia, photography, digital images), theory of art, color theory, composition and perspective, anatomy, the techniques and procedures for maintaining equipment and managing a studio, and art portfolio marketing.

Graduate Career Earnings in Colorado

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Colorado Avg CO vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $70,730 -$31,510 (-30.8%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $79,440 +$2,990 (+3.9%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $58,200 -$21,290 (-26.8%)
50.0913 Music Technology. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the creative aspects of the blending of music and technology; and that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the composition, recording, synthesis, and performance of music; audio-visual production; scoring for film and multimedia; and software and multimedia development. Includes instruction in music theory, music history, composition, acoustics, recording technology, computer composition, electronic music synthesis, technology-based performance, 3D sound and spatial audio, and music business and law.

Graduate Career Earnings in Colorado

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Colorado Avg CO vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $70,730 -$31,510 (-30.8%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $78,590 -$5,640 (-6.7%)
27-2091 Disc Jockeys, Except Radio N/A N/A N/A
27-4014 Sound Engineering Technicians $79,280 $73,030 -$6,250 (-7.9%)
Media Tech (1)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
10.0304 Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to use computer applications and related visual and sound imaging techniques to manipulate images and information originating as film, video, still photographs, digital copy, soundtracks, and physical objects in order to communicate messages simulating real-world content. Includes instruction in specialized camerawork and equipment operation and maintenance, image capture, computer programming, dubbing, CAD applications, and applications to specific commercial, industrial, and entertainment needs.

Graduate Career Earnings in Colorado

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Colorado Avg CO vs US
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $94,090 -$16,020 (-14.5%)
Computer & IT (1)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0803 Computer Graphics. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the software, hardware, and mathematical tools used to represent, display, and manipulate topological, two-, and three-dimensional objects on a computer screen and that prepares individuals to function as computer graphics specialists. Includes instruction in graphics software and systems; digital multimedia; graphic design; graphics devices, processors, and standards; attributes and transformations; projections; surface identification and rendering; color theory and application; and applicable geometry and algorithms.

Graduate Career Earnings in Colorado

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Colorado Avg CO vs US
15-1251 Computer Programmers $103,640 $133,160 +$29,520 (+28.5%)
25-1194 Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $68,710 $74,190 +$5,480 (+8%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $64,970 -$3,640 (-5.3%)
Education (3)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.0501 Educational/Instructional Technology. (PostBacCert, AltPostBac)
A program that focuses on integrating technology into educational curricula. Includes instruction in foundations of educational technology, computer applications, utilizing technology for assessment, multimedia instruction, web-based instruction, distance education, and designing and producing educational software and materials.

Graduate Career Earnings in Colorado

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Colorado Avg CO vs US
13-1151 Training and Development Specialists $73,760 $71,150 -$2,610 (-3.5%)
25-4022 Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $69,180 $68,740 -$440 (-0.6%)
25-9031 Instructional Coordinators $77,600 $74,060 -$3,540 (-4.6%)
13.1302 Art Teacher Education. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to teach art and art appreciation programs at various educational levels.

Graduate Career Earnings in Colorado

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Colorado Avg CO vs US
25-1081 Education Teachers, Postsecondary $78,500 $86,330 +$7,830 (+10%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $70,730 -$31,510 (-30.8%)
25-2022 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $70,040 $62,370 -$7,670 (-11%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $63,640 -$10,060 (-13.6%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$24,864
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$24,864
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$23,273
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$23,273
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$13,304 (off-campus)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,591
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$2,832 (off-campus)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$2,996
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$15,144
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$15,144
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

6%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$6,593
Avg. Loan
$10,978
Avg. Federal Loan
$8,251
Additional
Students with Any Grant
105
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
100
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
56
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$2,867
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

37%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
58%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$22,213 – $64,437
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$22,213 (25th %) $64,437 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $42,958
Median Salary After 6 Years
$30,280
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$42,958
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
52.4%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
64.4%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$31,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 41.6%
Middle 52.0%
High 66.7%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 56.4%
Independent 43.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD)

How much does it cost to attend Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD)?

The annual tuition at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) is $23,273 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $24,864 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $13,304 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,591.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design offer?

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) offers 18 academic programs across 4 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Residency.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (10 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (3 programs)
  • Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (1 programs)
  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design?

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) provides financial aid to 6% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $6,593 and average loans of $10,978.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $7,180
  • State/Local grants: $2,000
  • Institutional grants: $2,867
  • Federal loans: $8,251

The university supports 105 students with grants and 100 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design graduates?

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) graduates earn a median salary of $30,280 after 6 years and $42,958 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $22,213 (25th percentile) to $64,437 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $66,600 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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