Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Tuition per year
$20,190
$42,134 with room and board
Peer median $33,770
Undergraduates
2,061
Student-faculty ratio 13:1
Peer median 11 : 1
Graduation rate
13.6%
4-year; 6-year rate 40.9%
Peer median 45.1%
“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) is a prestigious institution located in Denver, Colorado, dedicated to fostering creativity and artistic excellence. Established in 1963, RMCAD has developed a strong reputation for its innovative approach to art and design education. The college offers a diverse range of degree programs, including Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in fields such as Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, Animation, and Interior Design. RMCAD's curriculum is designed to blend rigorous academic training with hands-on experiences, allowing students to develop their artistic voice while mastering essential skills for their future careers.
The college prides itself on its supportive and vibrant community, which encourages collaboration and the exchange of ideas among students and faculty. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, RMCAD ensures personalized attention and mentorship, helping students to thrive in their artistic pursuits. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped studios, galleries, and digital labs that provide the resources necessary for students to explore their creativity fully. Additionally, RMCAD's location in Denver offers students access to a thriving arts scene, including galleries, museums, and cultural events, further enriching their educational experience. The college's commitment to preparing students for successful careers is evident in its strong alumni network, which includes many accomplished artists and designers who have made significant contributions to their fields.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
The data from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design reveals several notable trends over the years, particularly concerning tuition, student enrollment, and graduation rates.
Firstly, tuition fees have seen a general upward trend, with in-state undergraduate tuition rising from $22,470 in 2014 to $23,273 in 2024. This increase may reflect broader trends in higher education where tuition costs continue to rise, potentially impacting students' decisions to enroll. It's crucial for prospective students to consider these costs when evaluating their options, especially in an environment where student debt is a significant concern.
Next, the enrollment figures show a significant fluctuation, especially in undergraduate students, which increased from 625 in 2013 to 2,050 in 2023. This growth represents a positive trend in attracting more students, possibly due to the college's evolving programs or marketing strategies. However, the graduate enrollment appears to be stagnant, with the number dropping to zero in recent years. This trend could indicate a need for the institution to reassess its graduate offerings to attract more students.
Moreover, the graduation rates present a concerning picture. The timely graduation rate for undergraduates has declined from 44% in 2014 to just 17.6% in 2023. This drop raises questions about the support systems in place for students and the overall academic environment. Low graduation rates can have a long-term impact not only on the institution's reputation but also on students' future opportunities.
Finally, the student-to-faculty ratio has increased significantly, from 6:1 in 2013 to 14:1 in 2023, indicating a potential challenge in providing personalized attention to students. A higher ratio could impact students' academic experiences, leading to lower retention rates and possibly contributing to the decline in graduation rates.
In summary, while there are positive aspects such as increasing undergraduate enrollment, the rising tuition, declining graduation rates, and increasing student-to-faculty ratio suggest that Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design faces significant challenges that need strategic attention to enhance student success and institutional reputation.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Denver, about 10 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Denver International Airport (DEN), about 25 mi
- Also known as
- RMCAD
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Brent Fitch (President)
- Phone
- 3037536046
- Address
- 1600 Pierce St, Lakewood, CO 80214
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
The graduation data from the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design for 2023 presents intriguing insights into the trends of specific programs. Notably, the Illustration program stands out with 79 bachelor's degree graduates, making it the most popular choice among students. This reflects a growing interest in visual storytelling, especially in an era where digital media is prevalent. The lack of international students in this program highlights a potential area for recruitment strategies to attract a more diverse student body.
Additionally, the Interior Design program, with 59 bachelor's graduates, indicates a strong demand for expertise in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. This aligns with the increasing emphasis on interior environments in both residential and commercial sectors.
It's also worth noting the Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects program, which graduated 46 students, including one international student. This indicates a budding interest in animation and related fields, likely fueled by the booming entertainment industry, especially in gaming and film.
Conversely, some programs like Educational/Instructional Technology and Fine/Studio Arts show limited graduation numbers. With only two master's graduates from Educational/Instructional Technology, it suggests that this field may not be attracting significant interest, possibly due to a competitive job market or the availability of alternative educational paths.
Overall, the data highlights both the strengths and potential gaps in the educational offerings at the college, pointing to opportunities for program development and international outreach to enhance diversity and enrollment.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion/Apparel Design. | $38,282 | |
| Interior Design. | $38,282 | |
| Illustration. | $38,282 | |
| Game and Interactive Media Design. | $38,282 | |
| Photography. | - | |
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | - | |
| Music Technology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. | $33,675 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Graphics. | $45,767 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Art Teacher Education. | - |
Students
2,061 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 24:76 · Freshman retention 54.0%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,414
- First-year undergraduates 119
- Transfers and others 528
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,061)
Data insights
Student Demographics at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
The student demographics at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design for the year 2023 reveal some insightful trends regarding gender representation and ethnic diversity among the student body. The institution has a notable percentage of female students, particularly among undergraduates, where the female representation is significantly higher than that of male students. For instance, among the incoming freshmen, 72.5% are female, while the percentage for continuing undergraduates is 74.4%. This trend highlights an ongoing pattern in higher education where female enrollment tends to exceed that of males, especially in creative fields.
In terms of ethnic diversity, the data shows that the majority of students identify as White, followed by other ethnic groups. However, the detailed breakdown of students by ethnicity is missing for continuing and transfer students, making it challenging to fully assess the diversity within these categories. The presence of non-resident students indicates a level of international representation, which is essential for fostering a multicultural environment.
The overall figures suggest a commitment to inclusion and diversity, yet they also point to potential areas for improvement, particularly in attracting and retaining male students and ensuring a more balanced ethnic representation. As the college moves forward, it may benefit from strategies aimed at increasing enrollment from underrepresented groups, fostering an inclusive atmosphere that supports creativity and innovation from a variety of perspectives.
Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
The age distribution of students at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design reveals interesting trends in enrollment patterns. The majority of students fall within the 18-24 age range, highlighting the college's appeal to younger individuals embarking on their higher education journey. Specifically, 62.6% of the total student population is composed of students aged 18-21, with undergraduate females being particularly numerous. This demographic trend aligns with national statistics indicating that art and design programs often attract younger students who are eager to start their careers in creative fields.
Interestingly, the enrollment of graduate students appears limited, with a notable absence of graduate males in the younger age cohorts. The data shows that as students progress to graduate studies, there is a significant drop in numbers, especially among males. This might suggest a trend where more females pursue advanced studies in art and design, which is consistent with broader educational trends where women increasingly dominate graduate programs.
Furthermore, the presence of older students (ages 30 and above) is minimal, which could reflect the nature of the art and design industry, where early career development is often prioritized. However, the presence of a few students over 50 indicates that lifelong learning remains a value for some individuals, emphasizing the importance of continued education in creative fields.
Overall, the data showcases a vibrant, youthful student body with a clear inclination towards undergraduate programs, while also hinting at potential areas for growth in graduate enrollment, particularly among male students. This insight is crucial for institutions aiming to enhance their programs and attract a more diverse range of students.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
2 in 2025 · 1.5% in 2016
0 in 2022 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
The data regarding international student enrollment at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design reveals notable trends over the years. Beginning in 2006, the number of international undergraduate students was quite low, with only 5 out of 451 total undergraduates, resulting in a mere 1.11% representation. This trend of low enrollment persisted for several years, peaking only briefly in 2012 when the percentage reached 1.73% with 11 international students.
However, a significant shift appears around 2020, where the number of international students rose to 19, accounting for 1.31% of the undergraduate population. This increase might be attributed to the college's efforts to enhance its appeal to global students, possibly through improved programs and marketing strategies. Nevertheless, this growth seems to have plateaued in subsequent years, as by 2023, the percentage dropped to a mere 0.05%, with only one international student amidst a larger undergraduate population of 2050.
Interestingly, the data on graduate student enrollment remains largely unavailable, which makes it difficult to assess the complete picture of international student representation at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. The fluctuations in international enrollment might reflect broader trends in the higher education landscape, where institutions are continually adapting to the changing dynamics of global student mobility, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall, while there were moments of increased international student presence, the current statistics suggest a need for the college to re-evaluate its strategies to attract and retain international students in a competitive educational environment.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$42,134
- Undergraduate tuition
- $20,190
- Room and board
- $21,944
- Graduate tuition
- $20,190
Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 23% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 163%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$39.4M
Expenses$38.4M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Regis UniversityDenver · 3.7 mi
U.S. News #276
-
University of DenverDenver · 7.2 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Colorado School of MinesGolden · 8.2 mi
U.S. News #80
-
University of Colorado DenverDenver · 12.3 mi
U.S. News #236
-
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder · 21.2 mi
U.S. News #109
-
United States Air Force AcademyUSAF Academy · 51.5 mi
Liberal Arts #11
-
Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins · 57.5 mi
U.S. News #169
-
Colorado CollegeColorado Springs · 63.2 mi
Liberal Arts #34
-
University of WyomingLaramie · 111.6 mi
U.S. News #250
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design:
-
University of Denver - Ranked 124 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong programs in business, law, and international studies.
-
Colorado School of Mines - With a ranking of 76, this comprehensive university specializes in engineering and applied sciences, making it a top choice for students interested in these fields.
-
University of Colorado Boulder - Ranked 105, this university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its research initiatives and vibrant campus life.
-
United States Air Force Academy - This prestigious institution, ranked 7th, provides a unique educational experience focused on leadership and military training.
-
Colorado State University-Fort Collins - Ranked 151, this comprehensive university is recognized for its research, particularly in agricultural sciences and engineering.
-
Colorado College - With a ranking of 33, this liberal arts college is known for its innovative curriculum and strong emphasis on experiential learning.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to a rich academic environment in the region.
Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
The crime data from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design reveals a fluctuating trend over the years from 2013 to 2023. Notably, 2013 recorded the highest crime rate, with approximately 1.98% of students involved in incidents, predominantly related to gun arrests. This alarming figure starkly contrasts with the subsequent years, where the crime rates significantly dropped. For instance, 2015 had no reported crimes, indicating a successful period of safety on campus.
However, the years 2017 and 2018 saw a resurgence in reported incidents, with 2017 reaching a crime rate of about 1.84%. The types of offenses during this time included drug arrests and incidents of domestic violence. The subsequent years of 2019 through 2023 demonstrated a continued decline in crime rates, with 2021 and 2022 recording no incidents at all, suggesting effective crime prevention strategies and a positive campus environment.
Interestingly, the data points to a broader trend in college crime statistics, where many institutions are experiencing fluctuating crime rates but also report periods of significant improvement in campus safety. The decline in crime rates at Rocky Mountain College aligns with national efforts to enhance campus safety protocols and increase awareness among students.
Overall, while the data reflects some concerning spikes in crime, the overall trend towards lower crime rates in recent years is encouraging. Continued vigilance and proactive measures will be essential in maintaining this positive trend. For those interested in understanding crime rate calculations, more information can be found here: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.