FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
ADMISSION QUESTIONS
Prospective students can apply online through the RMCAD website by filling out the application form and submitting the required documents.
RMCAD welcomes students who are eager to explore new possibilities, strive diligently to achieve their personal best, and exhibit enthusiasm for producing original, innovative work. While various evaluation criteria are essential for a comprehensive admission decision, our primary focus is on assessing a student’s potential as evidenced in their application submission and Artist Meeting with an Admissions Counselor. Portfolio submissions are encouraged but not required. Please note that RMCAD retains the exclusive right to extend an offer of admission, and fulfillment of all application requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Yes, international students must meet additional requirements, including proof of English proficiency and evaluation of foreign transcripts.
Yes, RMCAD accepts transfer students. The Office of the Registrar will carefully review previous college transcript(s) to determine which courses can be transferred to a RMCAD degree program. A student’s Admissions Counselor will guide them throughout the transfer credit evaluation process. For further information about transferring, visit here.
Your portfolio should showcase your best work and may include drawings, paintings, designs, or other relevant pieces depending on the program you are applying for.
After submitting your application, your next step will be scheduling an Artist Meeting with your Admissions Counselor, if you haven’t done so already. This meeting provides an opportunity for us to gain deeper insight into your creative aspirations, confirm your chosen program, and guide you on subsequent steps in the enrollment process. An Admissions Counselor will reach out to you within a few days of submitting your application or you are welcome to contact us at 303-753-6046 in the meantime.
Yes, RMCAD offers both in-person and virtual campus tours. Prospective students can schedule a tour through the RMCAD website here.
It is recommended to schedule a tour to ensure you have a comprehensive visit experience, including meeting with admissions counselors and faculty.
RMCAD’s Admissions Counselors are here to help when it comes to selecting which program to study. During an Artist Meeting (which takes place at the beginning of the admissions process), counselors will help students dive into personal and professional aspirations to help identify a program that aligns with the student’s interests and objectives.
At RMCAD, we offer both a flexible online learning modality, as well as a campus learning experience located in Lakewood, Colorado. Campus students will take at least a portion of their courses online, which allows for practical development of skills in time management and discipline. Online exclusive programs are taught asynchronously, which allows for greater flexibility.
Detailed information about each program is available here, including course descriptions, faculty information, and career outcomes.
Students at RMCAD attend in a year-round learning format, part time or full time options are available. However, students who attend full time can complete their degree faster and spend less on average for semester fees. Additionally, RMCAD students enroll in two classes every 8 weeks vs. traditional schools which usually require 4-5 classes every sixteen weeks. This schedule allows students the ability to concentrate on two classes at a time while maintaining full-time status. For more information regarding terms, read: Four benefits of term schedules vs. the traditional semester schedule.
At RMCAD, students are immersed in a collaborative community, where everyone shares similar creative career aspirations. Our students are taught by instructors who are working professionals and provide real-world experience and insights. RMCAD’s curriculum is centered around portfolio development – preparing students for graduation and beyond.
RMCAD’s Student Life provides a diverse array of activities, clubs, and organizations aimed at fostering lifelong learning and meaningful connections in an inclusive atmosphere. Whether it’s social, professional, cultural, or educational, RMCAD is committed to facilitating student engagement both on campus and virtually. For more information, visit the Student Involvement page or RMCAD’s events calendar.
RMCAD offers various support services, including academic advising, career services, and counseling.
Prior to commencing one’s academic journey, students will take a pre-orientation course within RMCAD’s learning management system. Additionally, RMCAD hosts on-campus and virtual orientations at the outset of each term, facilitating student connection and familiarizing attendees with the RMCAD community, as well as our policies and procedures. For further details, please visit our Orientation page.
While RMCAD does not offer on-campus housing, many of our first-time students live at the Assembly which is about 10 minutes from campus. The Assembly houses RMCAD students as well as those attending classes at Metro, CCD, and CU-Denver. Other students choose to live in a variety of nearby apartments or with relatives or friends in the greater Denver Metro areas. For more information on housing options, please click here.
The campus is open Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. MST and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.
The safety of our students, staff and faculty are always a top priority. Students are expected to comply with school regulations and practice personal safety and awareness. RMCAD has a dedicated campus security team on-site during campus hours. RMCAD security information and annual safety report is available here.
For more detailed information about our student demographics, click here.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act, RMCAD affirms its commitment to seek to achieve reasonable accommodations for students who have documented disabilities. Prior to admission acceptance, the college will provide general information upon request. Once enrolled, students are responsible for initiating a Request for Accommodations by disclosing their disability to the Office of Student Accessibility Service (sas@rmcad.edu) and providing the required supporting documentation. The office will provide additional information to students requesting accommodations, such as standards for required documentation and specific policies regarding the use of accommodations. An individual’s needs must be communicated to the Director of Student Accessibility Services before accommodations will be made.
RMCAD offers resources and support for veterans and military students, including assistance with VA benefits and scholarships.
RMCAD’s class ratios are tailored to provide ample opportunities for collaboration, feedback, and individualized assistance, enhancing the overall creative, hands-on learning experience. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1; Note: IES/NCES; As of October 2023
This information along with other important statistics (like cohort default rate) can be found on our Student Consumer Information page.
All hardware and software requirements vary by degree program. Please visit the Program Materials page for more information.
TUITION + FEES / FINANCIAL AID QUESTIONS
REGISTRATION + COURSE QUESTIONS
RMCAD’s Office of the Registrar simplifies the registration process by pre-scheduling students’ first two semesters. Additionally, we construct yearly schedules to guarantee that students have access to the necessary courses at the right time, thus facilitating a timely graduation.
RMCAD will only register students in courses that they need. If the timing of a class does not work, the Office of the Registrar will attempt to find alternate courses or course times, whenever possible. All students are welcome to take courses online in any given semester if it is a better schedule fit. RMCAD recommends that students share their schedule with an employer in advance, so that they can be proactive in planning for the future.
Schedule changes are reviewed by your Student Advisor who will send any requests to the Office of the Registrar for approval. We understand that students often have to balance school with other priorities. While we aim to accommodate schedule changes, please note that they are not guaranteed. Students who stay on track with their course schedule do not experience delays on their path to graduation!
In many cases, students have the freedom to select electives from both Liberal Arts and Studio courses. This presents a fantastic chance for a student to broaden their artistic horizons and explore various areas of interest. Students can collaborate with their Student Advisor to pinpoint their preferences.
RMCAD faculty and staff have worked hard to create an effective sequence of courses to provide the most enriching student experience possible, including access to an array of supportive resources, such as dedicated advisors, tutoring services, and mental health resources. However, if a student does drop or fail a class, they can engage in these services and should work with their academic advisor to understand the potential implications.
RMCAD understands that students might find themselves drawn to a new area of study beyond their initial major or concentration/area of study. Therefore, RMCAD developed a step-by-step process to allow students to change majors or modalities (campus vs. online). These changes can occur once per year and students interested should contact their Academic Advisor to get started.
RMCAD does offer a few non degree seeking options. For more information, contact Admissions at 303-753-6046.
Currently, RMCAD’s courses run primarily throughout the day. Students are not able to complete a degree utilizing night and weekend courses alone. However, students do have the flexibility of taking some or all courses through our engaging online programs. The online option is also effective for those who are traveling for extended periods of time or who go home for the summer.
Our students thrive in an active academic calendar, spanning three semesters annually. Embracing year-round study not only keeps students updated on evolving artistic and technological trends, but also offers the potential for an expedited graduation path. Students do enjoy three well-deserved breaks (one-week in both the Spring and Summer, alongside a two-week break during the holiday season).
Academic Advisors are available to answer questions and field concerns. You may also submit your concern here. If you feel that your complaint cannot be handled internally, click here for a list of resources in all 50 states.