TUITION & FEES
A college education is a substantial investment, that’s why we make it a top priority to provide you with the financial resources and support you need to get started on the path to your creative career.
LOCK IN COMPETITIVE TUITION WITH RMCAD
At RMCAD, we understand that investing in a college education is a major decision and a major investment. That’s why we offer competitive, affordable tuition when compared to other art and design colleges. Students’ tuition rates are locked in at the time of their initial start date and will not increase as long as they remain enrolled in their program. Please contact admissions for information about our tuition lock policy at 303.753.6046!
The tuition and fees stated below are the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
$850
$850
*RMCAD students are able to attend school year-round which equates to 3 semesters (1.5 Academic Years) per Calendar Year.
$875
$875
*This rate will now include all semester and equipment fees.
*RMCAD students are able to attend school year-round which equates to 3 semesters (1.5 Academic Years) per Calendar Year.
Equipment Fees through Summer B 2026:
- Fashion Design Equipment Package: $1,315
*These are one time fees due during the first semester. The equipment then belongs to the student.
| Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design | Academy of Art University | Savannah College of Art + Design | School of Visual Arts | Otis College of Art + Design | Ringling College | California College of the Arts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Credit | $740 | $1,301 | $1,405.50 | $1,780 | $2,255 | $1,813 | $1,690 |
| Estimated Total Tuition | $91,020 | $156,120 | $168,660 | $213,600 | $270,600 | $217,560 | $202,800 |
| Estimated Tuition Savings with RMCAD | $65,100 | $77,640 | $122,580 | $179,580 | $126,540 | $111,780 |
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
RMCAD SCHOLARSHIPS - NEW, INCOMING STUDENTS
RMCAD provides several scholarship programs to new, incoming students each year. Check out our current offerings and email [email protected] for more information.
The Academic Achievement Scholarship is awarded to new, incoming students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Amount Awarded Per Semester:
- Full time (12+ credits): $450
- Part-time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $225
Eligibility: To receive and maintain this scholarship, students must be enrolled in 12+ credits per semester, except for summer semesters when students may take 6-11 credits. Students must also maintain a 3.5+ GPA and have all tuition balances paid in full every term or have a current payment plan in place.
How to Apply: Students will be automatically considered for the
Academic Achievement Scholarship—no separate application is
required.
The Academic Achievement Scholarship may be combined with
other scholarships and can be applied to tuition and fees.
The Artistic Aptitude Scholarship is awarded to new, incoming students on the strength and quality of their admissions portfolio determined by the Portfolio Review Committee. Students must submit a minimum of ten pieces to be considered eligible for an Artistic Scholarship and provide an artist statement that accompanies the portfolio.
Amount Awarded Per Semester:
- Full-time (12+ credits): $450
- Part-time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $225
Eligibility: To receive and maintain this scholarship, students must be enrolled in 12+ credits per semester, except for summer semesters when students may take 6-11 credits. Students must also maintain a 3.0+ GPA and have all tuition balances paid in full every term or have a current payment plan in place.
For details on how the Artistic Aptitude Scholarship is assessed for Visual Art + Design Students, details can be found here. For Music Production Students, the Music Production Rubric is here.
How to Apply: Students will be considered for the Artistic Aptitude Scholarship by submitting a portfolio and essay for your program on rmcad.slideroom.com prior to your start date.
The Artistic Aptitude Scholarship may be combined with other scholarships and can be applied to tuition and fees.
The Best of Colorado Scholarship recognizes Colorado’s most creative high school seniors graduating in 2025. Up to five Best of Colorado Scholarships are awarded each year to new, incoming students for the Fall A Term.
Amount Awarded Per Semester:
- Full-time (12+ credits): $3,500
- Part-time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $1,750
Eligibility: To receive and maintain this scholarship, students must be a Colorado resident or taking classes in Colorado in addition to being enrolled in 12+ credits per semester, except for summer semesters when students may take 6-11 credits. Students must also maintain a 3.0+ GPA and have all tuition balances paid in full every term or have a current payment plan in place.
How to Apply: Students must have the following admissions requirements submitted and on file by February 1: portfolio, statement of intent, and unofficial high school transcripts.
The Best of Colorado Scholarship is not stackable with other institutional scholarships and grants.
The Bridge Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship for new students starting their undergraduate degree program on or after the 2025 Summer A term (5/5/2025). The scholarship amount will vary based on an eligible student’s tuition and fees. Please speak with an admissions representative to learn more about this new scholarship program.
Eligibility:
- Must apply for admission to RMCAD as a new degree-seeking student.
- Must meet the entrance requirements and be accepted into their desired program of enrollment.
- Must have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (www.fasfa.ed.gov) and be Pell Grant eligible.
- Dependent students must have parents apply for a PLUS loan.
- Must not have earned a prior bachelor’s degree.
- Must maintain full-time enrollment (12+ credits/semester).
Additional Information:
- Scholarship amount is determined after all other educational benefits and financial aid (grants and loans) is applied up to $10,050 per academic year.
- Scholarship amount is based on a calculation of financial aid and benefits eligibility, not amounts student elects to receive.
- Dropping below full-time status, a change of degree program, or program withdrawal may result in the reduction or cancellation of scholarship award and disbursements.
- The final award of the scholarship is contingent upon receipt of all required Admissions and Financial Aid documents by the program start date.
- Funds may be used only toward the tuition and Semester Fee for 12 credits per semester of a RMCAD undergraduate program. The scholarship does not cover the Equipment Fees for the Fashion Design and Music Production programs.
- The scholarship is nontransferable and has no redeemable cash value.
- Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
- Scholarship funds are limited and will remain available until depleted.
How to apply:
Students will be automatically considered for the Bridge Scholarship—no separate application is required. For further questions about this scholarship, please contact [email protected]
Award Notification:
- Recipients will be notified by their Financial Aid Advisor prior to the start of their degree program if all eligibility requirements are met.
- Recipients will be required to acknowledge and sign a Bridge Scholarship Acknowledgement form prior to starting.
- Scholarship amount will be applied throughout a student’s academic year(s), as applicable, based on the student’s financial need.
The FCCLA Competitive Scholarship is awarded to new incoming students who win 1st place at the state or national level of competition in interior design or fashion design events. Award recipients must provide proof of 1st place state or national FCCLA achievement. For further questions about this scholarship, please contact [email protected].
Amount Awarded:
- State winners full-time (12+ credits): $1,250
- National winners full-time (12+ credits): $2,500
Eligibility: To receive this scholarship, incoming new students must win 1st place at their FCCLA State or National Leadership Competition in either Fashion Construction, Fashion Design, Interior Design Challenge, Interior Design Sketch, or Interior Design at the high school level of competition.
How to Apply: Complete the RMCAD application and acceptance process. Inform your admissions representative or outreach representative of your 1st place status in the qualifying FCCLA state or national events by submitting supporting documentation. Scholarship is non-renewable, but is stackable with other stackable scholarships/
The Jeffco Scholarship is offered to graduates and teachers who attended or taught at a Jefferson County high school. This community partnership is an effort to further drive creative careers while inspiring the next generation of young artists.
Amount Awarded:
Jeffco Graduates – up to 30 credits granted (one year tuition)
- 1-30 Credits: 3 credits granted (Freshman Year)
- 31-60 Credits: 6 credits granted (Sophomore Year)
- 61-90 Credits: 9 credits granted (Junior Year)
- 90-123 Credits: 12 credits granted (Senior Year)
Eligibility: Students must have graduated from a high school within the Jeffco Public Schools system in Colorado. To receive and maintain this scholarship, students must be degree-seeking in a declared major. Students must also maintain a 2.0+ GPA (2.5+ for Art Education majors) and have all tuition balances paid in full every term or have a current payment plan in place.
How to Apply: Please complete the following form.
This scholarship is not stackable with any other internal scholarships or institutional grants.
Jeffco Teachers – 50% discounted rate for continuing education. Contact [email protected] for more information.
The National Portfolio Day Scholarship is awarded to new, incoming students who receive an exception portfolio review from a RMCAD representative while attending a National Portfolio Day Association event.
Visit here for more information.
Amount Awarded Per Semester:
- Full time (12+ credits): $1,000
- Part time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $500
Eligibility: To receive and maintain this scholarship, students must be enrolled in 12+ credits per semester, except for summer semesters when students may take 6-11 credits. Students must also maintain a 3.0+ GPA and have all tuition balances paid in full every term or have a current payment plan in place.
How to Apply: Eligible students will be automatically considered for the National Portfolio Day Scholarship—no separate application is required. RMCAD portfolio reviewers on-site at the event will determine eligibility based on the strength and quality of the portfolio. All offers of the National Portfolio Day Scholarships will be made by the Admissions Department to eligible students beginning the week after the event. For more information, please contact [email protected].
The National Portfolio Day Scholarship is not stackable with other institutional scholarships and grants.
The New Perspective Scholarship is awarded to new, incoming students who have transferred in 45+ credits from a previous college or university. Transfer credits are accepted from accredited community, state, public, and private institutions and are determined by the Registrar’s Office. More information regarding transfer credits is available in the RMCAD Catalog.
Amount Awarded:
- Full time (12+ credits): $500
- Part time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $250
Eligibility: To receive and maintain this scholarship, students must be enrolled in 12+ credits per semester, except for summer semesters when students may take 6-11 credits. Students must also maintain a 3.0+ GPA and have all tuition balances paid in full every term or have a current payment plan in place.
How to Apply: Students will be automatically considered for the New Perspective Scholarship—no separate application is required.
The New Perspective Scholarship is stackable with either the Academic Achievement Scholarship OR the Artistic Aptitude Scholarship (in circumstances where students are eligible for both, the Artistic Aptitude scholarship will be awarded).
The Partners in Success Scholarship is awarded to new, incoming transfer students with Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees from our partner schools Red Rocks Community College, Pikes Peak State College, or Community College of Aurora.
Amount Awarded:
- $500 in graduating semester
Eligibility: To receive and maintain this scholarship, students must be enrolled in 12+ credits per semester, except for summer semesters when students may take 6-11 credits. Students must also maintain a 2.0+ GPA (2.5+ for Art Education majors) and have all tuition balances paid in full every term or have a current payment plan in place.
How to Apply: Students will be automatically considered for the Partners in Success Scholarship—no separate application is required.
The Partners in Success Scholarship may be combined with other scholarships and can be applied to tuition and fees.
The Presidential Scholarships (Platinum, Gold, and Silver) recognize students with the potential to make a significant impact in the field of art and design. Three Presidential Scholarships are awarded each year to new, incoming students for the Fall A term.
Amount Awarded Per Semester:
- Platinum
- Full-time (12+ credits): $6,500
- Part-time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $3,250
- Gold
- Full-time (12+ credits): $6,000
- Part-time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $3,000
- Silver
- Full-time (12+ credits): $5,500
- Part-time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $2,750
Eligibility: To receive and maintain this scholarship, students must be enrolled in 12+ credits per semester, except for summer semesters when students may take 6-11 credits. Students must also maintain a 3.5+ GPA and have all tuition balances paid in full every term or have a current payment plan in place.
How to Apply: Students must have the following admissions requirements submitted by February 1: portfolio, statement of intent, and high school and/or college transcripts.
The Presidential Scholarship is not stackable with other institutional scholarships and grants.
RMCAD partners with RedLine, a diverse urban laboratory, where education and community converge, and Platteforum to offer a scholarship for artists with the Artist Reach program. For more information, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
This scholarship is not stackable with other scholarships.
YOUR RMCAD JOURNEY STARTS HERE!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
tuition and fees
Through Summer B 2026, the cost per credit is $740 for both on-campus and online students. Starting Fall A 2026, the tuition rate is $850 for both on-campus and online students, and for students enrolled in the Fashion Design program, the tuition rate is $875 for both on-campus and online students – there will no longer be additional fees beyond the tuition rate.
Semester fees cover software licensing, LinkedIn Learning subscription, LMS access, electronic library resources, cybersecurity, and tutoring services. These fees will no longer be in place for students starting Fall A 2026.
Through Summer B 2026, new students enrolled in Fashion Design are required to purchase an equipment package of $1,315. Starting in Fall A 2026, new students enrolled in Fashion Design will no longer have additional fees associated with the program, as they will be included in the tuition rate for the Fashion Design program.
While tuition covers educational expenses, the academic journey will also require students to purchase books and supplies. For information on required books and supplies, please visit here. For technology requirements, please visit here.
Tuition is due in full or the first month’s payment plan payment is due on or before the first day of the semester.
The payment plan allows students to pay their tuition balance in installments over the semester. The first payment is due on the first day of the semester.
Yes, students’ tuition rates are locked in at the time of their initial start date and will not increase as long as they remain enrolled in their program.
Yes, active duty military students have a reduced cost per credit of $250 through RMCAD’s Active Military Scholarship. In order to prove eligibility for the Active Duty Military Scholarship, you will need to provide proof of your Active Duty status to your financial aid advisor or email them to [email protected].
Students can contact the admissions office at 303.753.6046 or [email protected].
financial aid
RMCAD offers scholarships, grants, and loans. Students are encouraged to fill out a FAFSA application to determine their eligibility.
Eligibility for federal financial aid is determined by the FAFSA and includes U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens enrolled in eligible programs.
The RMCAD school code for FAFSA is 013991.
Yes, RMCAD offers various scholarships for incoming students based on merit, need, and specific talents.
Students may be eligible for federal grants such as the Pell Grant and state-specific grants based on financial need.
Work-study eligibility is determined by the FAFSA and offers part-time jobs to help students earn money for education expenses.
Yes, international students can apply for scholarships and other financial aid options.
RMCAD offers various scholarships, and transfer students are encouraged to apply to see what they qualify for.
RMCAD provides support for veterans and military students, including access to VA benefits and military scholarships.
Review your financial aid offer, accept or decline each type of aid through the RMCAD student portal, and complete any additional requirements.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress, including meeting GPA and credit hour requirements, as defined by RMCAD.
Contact the financial aid office to discuss your situation and see if you qualify for additional aid or adjustments.
Student loan repayment begins 6 months after a student graduates, leaves school or drops below part-time enrollment. Federal grants generally do not have to be repaid by eligible students who do not leave school before finishing an enrollment period (example, a semester).
You can contact the financial aid office by phone at 800.888.2787 or email at [email protected].
