If at any point you have questions or concerns please contact the Financial Aid Office at 800.888.ARTS or 303.753.6046.

Priority Dates

Some financial aid funds are limited so you are encouraged to apply early as possible. Regardless of type all financial aid applications should be in our office before the following priority dates:

• March 15 for fall term applicants
• November 15 for spring term applicants
• February 15 for summer term applicants

Quick Reference:

Types of Aid

About 80% of our student body utilizes some form of financial aid. There are four common types of financial aid: loans, grants, scholarships and work-study.

Grants are considered "gift aid" an do not have to be repaid. Grants are generally based on financial need.

Scholarships are like grants in that they do not need to be repaid. They are generally awarded based on merit or ability.

Work-study programs provide a limited number of paying part time jobs. Students work at the college or for a community service organization to help pay for educational expenses.

Student Loans are borrowed money that must be reapid, with interest. Typically a bank or the government, lends you money to pay for your education. You have to meet certain criteria to qualify for the loan.

Research and apply for as many grants and scholarships as you can. Loans are common, but be aware that there are consequences for not making payments on time. Accepting a loan should be taken seriously.

Almost all kinds of financial aid require you to pass your classes, and to work towards a degree within a fixed amount of time. If you fail too many classes, or complete too few classes each term you may have to return some or all of your financial aid money. Carefully read the terms that come with each loan, grant or scholarship.

Sources of Financial Aid

State and Federal Governments are the most common sources of financial aid. A single form is used to apply for all government aid: the the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about these on our FAFSA and Grants and Loans pages.

RMCAD offers a variety of scholarships for new and returning students. Students who recently graduated from high school and are attending college for the first time can apply for our Merit Scholarship. Continuing students will be notified of other available scholarships via their RMCAD student e-mail account. Learn more on the RMCAD Scholarship page.

Private Outside Assistance is one of the best sources of scholarships. Think about all the groups, clubs, businesses, churches and organizations in your community. Each of these is a potential source for scholarships. We've compiled an informal list of scholarship resources to get you started.