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Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

Lakewood, CO·Private for-profit·1,878 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. a private for-profit school with 1,878 students.

N/A
Accept
1,878
Students
$28,037
Net Price
37%
Grad Rate
$36,700
Earnings
10 yr
$9,500
Debt

About This School

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is a private for-profit institution located in Lakewood, Colorado with approximately 1,878 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $28,037 per year. The graduation rate is 37%, and the typical graduate earns $36,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

The Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) is a private for-profit art school in Lakewood, Colorado. The college was founded in 1963 by Philip J. Steele, an artist and teacher.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 37% graduation rate and 58% freshman retention suggest many students leave before finishing, which is a serious red flag worth investigating before enrolling. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively low $9,500, which limits financial risk if you do complete your degree. That said, median earnings of $36,700 a decade out are modest, so this makes the most sense if you have a clear creative career path and a plan to actually finish.

Founded
1963
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts70%
Computer Science12%
Education2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$23,720
Out-of-State Tuition
$23,720
Avg Net Price
$28,037
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants46%
Median debt at graduation$9,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
37%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
58%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$9,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$9,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$30,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.9x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White56%
Black11%
Hispanic/Latino14%
Asian4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,878 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

1600 Pierce St

Lakewood, CO 80214

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Colorado

Browse all Colorado schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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