For-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Lakewood, Colorado
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$33,950Annual Cost
$42,958Grad Salary
46%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
For-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Need-Based Aid
46% receive Pell
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, founded in 1963, is a private for-profit college in Lakewood, Colorado. It offers programs in animation, graphic design, and game art. The campus includes a digital media lab and industry-connected faculty.
RMCAD is unranked but respected for its creative arts programs. Its Denver location provides access to a thriving arts and tech scene.
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design Acceptance Rate
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
RMCAD reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Check Your Admission Chances at RMCAD
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into RMCAD Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for RMCAD
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
RMCAD provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Submit a portfolio even though it isn't strictly required for admission - it's your scholarship application
RMCAD's general admission doesn't mandate a portfolio, but the Artistic Aptitude Scholarship is awarded specifically based on your admissions portfolio quality. Treat portfolio submission as functionally required: skipping it because it's "optional" for admission means leaving a real scholarship opportunity on the table for a school where cost is a significant factor (net price runs well over $20,000/year even after aid).
Colorado high school seniors: apply for the Best of Colorado Scholarship specifically
RMCAD offers a scholarship exclusively for highly creative Colorado high school seniors graduating in the current cycle. If you're a Colorado resident, ask admissions directly about this scholarship rather than assuming general aid covers it - it's a named, separate award with its own criteria distinct from the broader Artistic Aptitude or Academic Achievement scholarships.
If transferring in with an AA/AAS from a partner school, ask about the Partners in Success Scholarship
Students transferring in with an Associate in Arts or Associate in Applied Science from one of RMCAD's specific partner schools qualify for a dedicated transfer scholarship, applicable to both on-campus and online enrollment. Confirm whether your current or prior two-year school is on RMCAD's partner list before transferring, since this scholarship isn't available to AA/AAS holders from non-partner institutions.
Know that RMCAD is a for-profit institution - factor that into your comparison, not just the portfolio process
RMCAD is owned by Rocky Mountain College LLC as a for-profit institution, distinct from the nonprofit art-school peer set it's often compared against. This doesn't disqualify it as a strong program, but it's worth weighing alongside typical for-profit considerations (tuition structure, transferability of credits to other institutions) when comparing offers, especially against nonprofit art schools with similar portfolio requirements.
Expert Insight:
Applicants sometimes treat the RMCAD portfolio as purely optional since it isn't a strict admission requirement, and skip it to save time - but doing so forfeits automatic consideration for the Artistic Aptitude Scholarship, one of the more accessible merit awards at a school where net cost after aid still runs well above $20,000 a year. A portfolio built specifically for scholarship review, not just admission, is worth the extra effort.
RMCAD Profile
Full Name
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD)
City
Lakewood
State
Colorado
ZIP Code
80214
Type
For-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a RMCAD Degree Worth It?
Getting into RMCAD can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. RMCAD offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at RMCAD is $71,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.88%.
How much does a degree from RMCAD Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is $33,950. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is much less than this.
46% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 60.3 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to RMCAD and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist RMCAD as your choice in the form.
How much does a RMCAD Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $42,958. An average RMCAD graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at RMCAD
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About RMCAD Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $42,958 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $33,950 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
46.0% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The application fee for Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is 50. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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