Scholarships
Admissions
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 admissions@rmcad.edu 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 automatically considered for the Artistic Aptitude Scholarship—no separate application is required.
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 2024. 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 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, unofficial high school transcripts, and signed commitment letter.
The Best of Colorado Scholarship is not stackable with other institutional scholarships and grants.
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 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 admissions@rmcad.edu.
The National Portfolio Day Scholarship is not stackable with other institutional scholarships and grants.
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, high school and/or college transcripts, and signed commitment letter.
The Presidential Scholarship is not stackable with other institutional scholarships and grants.
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 – 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 admissions@rmcad.edu for more information.
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 admissions@rmcad.edu or info@redlineart.org.
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).
RMCAD SCHOLARSHIPS + GRANTS - CURRENT STUDENTS
RMCAD offers additional scholarship and grant programs to the current student body. Check out our current offerings and email admissions@rmcad.edu for more information.
The Alumni Scholarship is awarded to students who have graduated with a bachelors degree from RMCAD and are seeking a second bachelors degree.
Amount Awarded:
- 50% off tuition
Eligibility: Students must be RMCAD graduates and in good financial standing with the college and have maintained a 2.0+ GPA (2.5+ for Art Education students).
How to Apply: Email admissions@rmcad.edu for more information.
This scholarship is not stackable with any other internal scholarships or institutional grants.
RMCAD proudly acknowledges the establishment of the Memorial Scholarship competition by college founder, Philip J. Steele, as a testament to the enduring legacy of these extraordinary individuals:
- David W. Bozeman
- Charlene Cosgrove
- Gerald E. Ehrhart
- Paul W. Hall
- Roy Maddox
- Chuck Mattox
- Brooke McElwain
- C.W. McNamara
- William LeBarth Steele
This program stands as a heartfelt tribute, empowering students to pursue their educational dreams and embody the exceptional qualities epitomized by these remarkable community members.
Up to fourteen winners may be selected each semester based on exemplary portfolio effort and essay quality, as well as outstanding GPA, citizenship, and community involvement.
Awards: Animation | Art Education | Fashion Design | Fine Arts | Foundations (all departments) | Freshman (all departments) | Game Art | Graphic Design | Illustration | Illustrative Design | Interior Design | Liberal Arts (all departments) | Music Production | Photography
Amount Awarded: Winners receive a one-time, flat-rate scholarship applied to their student account.
- On campus, full time (12+ credits): $1,700
- On campus, part time (6-11 credits): $850
- Online, full time (12+ credits): $1,300
- Online, part time (6-11 credits): $650
Eligibility:
- Degree-seeking, undergraduate student
- Taking 6+ credits per semester
- GPA of 3.0+
- Good account standing
How to Apply: Scholarship details will be sent to students’ RMCAD email addresses in Week 1 of each B term.
This scholarship may be stackable with other stackable internal scholarships or institutional grants.
Student Ambassadors are hired through an application process to serve as peer mentors to the student body. Their work fosters community throughout the diverse group of artists and designers enrolled at RMCAD. Duties include, but are not limited to, planning events and civic engagement projects.
Amount Compensated Per Semester for Duties Completed:
- On campus, full time (12+ credits): $1,800
- Online, full time (12+ credits): $1,200
How to Apply: Contact StudentActivities@rmcad.edu for more information.
Eligibility: Full qualifications, responsibilities, and more are available here.
EXTERNAL SCHOLARSHIPS
We’re always keeping an eye out for available outside scholarships. Please contact the awarding organization to confirm eligibility, applicable deadlines, and to request application materials. RMCAD is not responsible for the content, application process, and selection of recipients or notification of awards. Inclusion in this list does not constitute an endorsement by RMCAD.
The following resources are for informational purposes only.
The following resources are for informational purposes only:
Simon Youth Foundation Scholarships
www.syf.org/scholarships
Recipients are selected on the basis of financial need, academic record, leadership, participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, and a statement of career and educational goals. In addition, special consideration is given to first-generation college students. To be eligible you must live in a community that hosts a Simon’s property.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program
www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/
The Coca−Cola Scholars Foundation provides scholarship programs and alumni enrichment opportunities in support of exceptional peoples’ thirst for knowledge and their desire to make a difference in the world. The goal is to develop a powerful network of community leaders, touched by Coca−Cola, whose vision will help shape the world, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Microsoft
www.microsoft.com
Microsoft offers four different types of technical scholarships to current undergraduate students: General Scholarships, Women’s Scholarships, Minority Scholarships, and Scholarships for Students with Disabilities.
NAACP
www.naacp.org
Each year the NAACP, through generous donations, is able to provide scholarships to outstanding students with NAACP membership.
The Gates Millennium Scholars
www.gmsp.org
The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program selects 1,000 talented students each year to receive a good-through-graduation scholarship to use at any college or university of their choice. They provide Gates Millennium Scholars with personal and professional development through their leadership programs along with academic support throughout the students’ college career.
Arab American Institute
www.aaiusa.org
This site lists several scholarships available to Arab American students.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
www.hsf.net
Several scholarship programs are listed on this site. Each program has its own requirements. You must be a US citizen and you or your family must come from at least one of the following countries: Spain, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Cuba, Puerto Rico, or the Dominican Republic. Students from Brazil are eligible to apply. However, students from Belize, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana are not considered Hispanic.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation
www.jackierobinson.org
The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides scholarships to under-served high school students showing leadership potential and demonstrating financial need.
Animation/Digital Media
Women in Animation
womeninanimation.org
Applicants may be either full- or part-time students enrolled in an accredited animation program.
Illustration
L.Ron Hubbard’s Illustrators of the Future Contest
www.writersofthefuture.com
Applications are open to citizens of all nations. All themes of science fiction and fantasy illustrations are welcome. The Contest is open to new and amateur artists who have not been professionally published and paid for more than three black-and-white story illustrations, or more than one process-color painting, in media distributed broadly to the general public.
Stonewall Community Foundation
www.stonewallfoundation.org/scholarships
There are multiple programs available: a scholarship for gay male students who are 23 years or younger with a record of community service; a fund that benefits young women whose families have withdrawn emotional and/or financial support because of their sexual and/or gender identity; and a scholarship for lesbian-identified students with a history of academic excellence and community service.
NMFA Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program
www.militaryfamily.org
Scholarships are awarded to spouses of Uniformed Services members (active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees, and survivors) to obtain professional certification or to attend post secondary or graduate school.
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.agbell.org
To be eligible, students must have a diagnosis of hearing loss prior to age 7. The hearing loss must be bilateral and in the moderate-to-profound range. Applicants must have a Pure-Tone Average (PTA) of 60dB or greater in the better ear in the speech frequencies of 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz and must use spoken language as their primary mode of communication.
Keppra Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program
www.keppra.com
Scholarships are available for epilepsy patients and for family members or caregivers of epilepsy patients.
The Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests
www.aynrand.org
Contests are available for 9-10 graders, 11-12 graders and college students. Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic and psychological meaning of Ayn Rand’s writing.
National Peace Essay Contest
www.usip.org
All high school students attending school in the United States regardless of citizenship, foreign exchange students and visiting students attending high school in the US may enter the contest. US citizens attending high school in other countries are also eligible.
Orphan Foundation of America
www.fc2success.org
Students are eligible for the scholarship if they are under the age of 25 and: have been in foster care for one consecutive year at the time of their 18th birthday; have been adopted or taken into legal guardianship out of foster care after their 16th birthday; or who have lost both parents to death before the age of 18 and have not been subsequently adopted.
Elks National Foundation
www.elks.org
Awards are available for high school seniors, children and grandchildren of Elks who are members in good standing, and children and grandchildren of deceased or totally disabled Elks.
The National Italian American Foundation
www.niaf.org
Scholarships are available to Italian American students who demonstrate outstanding potential and high academic achievements.
MENSA Education and Research Foundation
www.us.mensa.org
Applicants must currently be residents of a participating American Mensa Local group’s area. Participating groups may change from year to year.
OTHER SOURCES
Below is a list of websites that you may also find useful in your pursuit of scholarships for art and design school:
