About Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is a premier art and design school located in the town of Lakewood, Colorado, which is a suburb of Denver. The school was founded in 1963 by a man named Philip J. Steele, an artist and teacher. His idea was to create a “community of creatives,” which would help to foster creativity, innovation, and continual, lifelong learning. The mission of the school is “Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an innovative, rigorous and community-oriented global learning environment that inspires passion for critical thinking and prepares learners to be forces of change in the creative industries, our communities and the world.”
A few of RMCAD’s value statements include:
- Students come first
- Professionalism and role modeling is valued
- Leadership, trust, and communication is embraced
Rocky Mountain offers both campus and online bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as certificates, in the fields of art and design, several of which can be earned completely online. Students have access to leading industry software and course materials. The Learning Management System (LMS) at RMCAD is the primary means by which students view course material, interact with instructors and peers, submit projects, receive feedback, and track their work. With both on-campus and online programs offered, Rocky Mountain balances professional connections and hands-on learning with up-to-date resources and materials.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Master's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
Not applicableFully Online Graduate Students:
Not applicableMedian Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$31,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
67%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$5,170Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesRocky Mountain College of Art and Design can work well for adults who juggle school, work, and family. The pace is challenging, but many students can keep up with a steady weekly plan. Classes push creative thinking and help students try new ideas without feeling overwhelming.
Progress and finish time depend a lot on personal discipline. This school is a strong fit for independent learners who can track deadlines on their own. It is also transfer friendly, with pacing and schedules that help incoming students keep moving toward a degree while managing daily responsibilities.
At RMCAD, support is easy to see in everyday class work. Professors are approachable and quick to communicate. That matters in creative courses, where regular feedback helps students keep moving each week. The classroom tone is encouraging, with space for different art styles and personal voice.
Support also extends beyond class. Advising is helpful during admissions, and the Student Learning Center offers help with assignments. This setup works well for students who use these resources and stay on track with their schedule.
RMCAD’s online classes fit busy schedules. The asynchronous environment helps with work and parenting. Online classes can feel active, not passive. There is a huge online student body.
Some classes include many students. This format rewards self-driven learners. You need to be really self-motivated. The pace can work well with life duties.
It is a practical setup for adults. It works best when you manage your own time.
At Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, classes are built around visual work and creative thinking. Instructors push students to try new ideas and step past their comfort zones. The work is challenging, but it stays manageable.
That balance helps students build skills at a steady pace without constant stress. Professors support growth while giving students room to shape their own style. Students can build a clear creative voice instead of following one narrow look.
In some programs, major classes start in the first term, including fashion. This helps students begin focused work early and connect class projects to real creative goals from day one.
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design fits self-directed online learners. The schedule works around jobs and parenting. Classes feel workable during busy weeks. The format supports adults with real obligations.
Coursework is not easy-credit work. Classes push creative thinking and growth. Assignments are challenging but manageable. Professors are encouraging and easy to reach.
Teaching also leaves room for different art styles and personal voice. The key fit line is discipline. Online progress depends on self-motivation. Students who manage their own pace do best here.
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design fits self-directed online learners. The schedule works around jobs and parenting. Classes feel workable during busy weeks. The format supports adults with real obligations.
Coursework is not easy-credit work. Classes push creative thinking and growth. Assignments are challenging but manageable. Professors are encouraging and easy to reach.
Teaching also leaves room for different art styles and personal voice. The key fit line is discipline. Online progress depends on self-motivation. Students who manage their own pace do best here.
Online Programs offered by Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Frequently Asked Questions About Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Is Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design accredited?
Yes. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design offer?
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design offers 9 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design offer?
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design offers bachelor's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design military friendly?
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score, Interview, and Portfolio. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design accept life experience credit?
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design programs fully online or mixed?
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design offer?
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design has online program options in areas such as Art & Liberal Arts and Education; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Are any admission tests required for Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is located in Colorado
Colorado at a Glance:
Top Majors in Colorado:
Top Incentives in Colorado:
- College Opportunity Fund: Per-credit stipend for residents
Top Career Pathways in Colorado:
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