Admissions Requirements

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design seeks applicants who demonstrate a desire to explore new possibilities and excel in their creative pursuits. While meeting all admission requirements is necessary for eligibility, acceptance is not guaranteed. RMCAD evaluates applicants primarily based on their potential as evidenced in their application materials. RMCAD offers multiple entry points throughout the year, providing flexibility for students to begin their studies.

RMCAD reserves the right to deny admission, continued enrollment, or re-enrollment to any applicant or student whose personal history and background indicate that their presence at the College would endanger the health, safety, welfare, or property of the members of the academic community or interfere with the orderly and effective performance of the College’s functions. The College reserves the right to deny, revoke, and alter the academic records, degrees, awards, and other credentials of any applicant, student, or graduate of RMCAD if they are found to violate RMCAD policies, rules, or regulations.

Declaration of Modality for Admissions

Students who apply to RMCAD will be asked to select either the campus or online modality at the time of application.

Students who need to change their modality must contact their Academic Advisor to facilitate the change in modality. For specific requirements for a change of modality, please consult your Academic Advisor.

Major Declaration for Admissions

Students who apply to RMCAD will be asked to select a major at the time of application. If students do not know which program they wish to pursue, they may apply to be degree-seeking but “Undeclared”. Students must declare a major by the end of their first academic year or two semesters, and before earning 30 credits. Note: All students receiving financial aid are required to be degree-seeking.

Undergraduate Admissions

U.S. Applicants

(updated August 2024)

1. Application for Admission

Applicants must submit a completed Application for Admission. Applications must be completed online at www.rmcad.edu.
 

2. Artist’s Meeting with an Admissions Counselor

   An Artist’s Meeting with an Admissions Counselor is required. Through the personal meeting, applicants will gain a better understanding of the visual arts and music production education at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. To arrange a meeting time, please contact the Admissions Office at 800.888.2787 or admissions@rmcad.edu.

3. High School Graduation or Equivalent

RMCAD requires all applicants to have completed high school and received a standard high school diploma or an equivalent credential. Applicants must provide documentation of high school completion or the equivalent prior to starting a program. The following are acceptable for fulfilling this requirement:

• High School Transcript
• General Educational Development (GED) passing test scores and/or the GED diploma, other equivalent, state-approved diploma examination scores.
• Completion of 12 credit hours from an accredited postsecondary educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Documentation of the completion of secondary school through homeschooling as defined by applicable state law.

*Validity of High School Completion Documentation. Additional documentation and/or official transcripts may be required if RMCAD has reason to believe that a high school diploma is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary school education as required by federal regulations. In all cases, RMCAD retains the sole discretion to determine whether or not the secondary training completed by the applicant is sufficient to satisfy the high school graduation admission requirement.

4. Portfolio

   Applicants to the BFA programs are required to submit a portfolio demonstrating the basic skills needed to succeed in arts and design coursework. In some cases, students may be able to waive the portfolio submission at the discretion of the Admissions Office. Students are also required to submit a statement of intent. Students who fail to submit a portfolio of artistic work may not be eligible for scholarships. See the “Submitting a Portfolio  ” section of this publication for further instructions. Applicants who do not have portfolio work should contact their Admissions Counselor.

International Applicants - Undergraduate

(Updated August 2024)

International applicants for campus programs are persons who are not residents of the United States and who already have or will be applying for, a temporary U.S. student visa (F-1 visa). RMCAD only considers international applicants for admission to our campus-based programs who are degree-seeking and plan to attend as full-time students. RMCAD welcomes international students to apply to our online programs, however, online students are not eligible to apply for a student visa.

1. Application for Admission

Applicants must submit a completed Application for Admission. Online applications must be submitted through the RMCAD website at www.rmcad.edu.

2. Interview with an Admissions Counselor

   An interview with an Admissions Counselor is required. Through the personal interview, also called an Artist Meeting, applicants will gain a better understanding of the visual arts and music production education at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. To arrange an interview time, please contact the Admissions Office at 800.888.2787 or admissions@rmcad.edu.

3. High School Graduation or Equivalent

   International applicants must provide original or official copies of all educational transcripts and diplomas including transcripts demonstrating completion of a high school diploma or equivalent. For non-U.S. transcripts or diplomas, Applicant’s must provide an English language translation(s) of education transcripts and diplomas, if applicable as well as an evaluation prepared by a professional foreign academic evaluation and translation service to confirm that prior training is equivalent to the prerequisite for admission. Applicants must use a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) http://www.naces.org/members.html.

4. English Language Proficiency 

   International applicants must provide acceptable TOEFL scores or must provide proof of English language proficiency by way of successful completion of a college-level English Composition course, or ESL equivalent. Please note courses taken to demonstrate English proficiency must be approved by the academic department before TOEFL waiver and acceptance. Because English is the language of instruction at RMCAD, all students are required to be proficient in English. Non-U.S. resident students must submit proof of English proficiency by providing official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or other proof of English proficiency. TOEFL must reflect a minimum score of 213 on the computerized test, a score of 550 on the written test, a score of 75 on the internet-based test, a score of 6 on IELTS, or successful completion of an English as a Second Language (ESL) course. Each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis

5. Official Financial Documents

   International applicants applying for admission to the College, and planning to attend on campus, must submit an official bank statement verifying sufficient funds to cover the cost of attending RMCAD and living expenses for one year. Contact the Admissions Office for information on the current amount required.

6. Portfolio

   Applicants to the BFA programs are required to submit a portfolio demonstrating the basic skills needed to succeed in arts and design coursework. In some cases, students may be able to waive the portfolio submission at the discretion of the Admissions Office. Students are also required to submit a statement of intent. Students who fail to submit a portfolio of artistic work may not be eligible for scholarships. See the “Submitting a Portfolio ” section of this publication for further instructions. Applicants who do not have portfolio work should contact their Admissions Counselor.

7. Immigration Documents

All international students studying on an F1 student visa will be required to attend RMCAD full-time during the spring and fall semesters. This means international students will be required to be enrolled full-time taking six credits each eight-week term during the fall and spring semesters. Students on an F1 student visa are entitled to a vacation term of one semester during the summer semester only, provided they intend to register for classes in the fall semester.

Immigration documents will be issued once RMCAD has received all required documents and the applicant has been accepted. Once the College has accepted the applicant, they will be sent an I-20 form, which is needed to obtain a student visa. The I-20 form can be issued only to regular full-time students admitted into a degree program. International students transferring to RMCAD from another school in the United States should contact the Admissions Office immediately to determine eligibility to transfer. Immigration documents will only be issued to the applicant, RMCAD does not work with 3rd party sponsors or recruiters. RMCAD only issues F1 student visas.

Graduate Admissions

To apply for graduate programs, applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an institutionally accredited college or university.

U.S. Applicants

1. Application for Admission

Applicants must submit a completed Application for Admission. Applications must be completed online at www.rmcad.edu.
 

2. Transcripts

New students must submit official transcripts to complete the registration and enrollment process. To apply for graduate programs, applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an institutionally accredited college or university.

Transcripts are considered official if they are sealed by the prior institution and delivered by postal mail or in person. RMCAD also considers transcripts to be official if they are sent by the prior institution to transcripts@rmcad.edu, by fax, or by any approved electronic delivery service. Transcripts opened by the student will not be considered official.

All transcripts submitted by students from previously attended schools become a part of their official record. RMCAD does not re-release official or unofficial transcripts earned from other institutions. Students who have completed coursework at colleges outside the United States should ask their Admissions Counselor for more information about transfer credit evaluation.
 

3. Statement of Purpose

A statement of purpose is required. In 500-750 words, the applicant should concisely describe his or her academic and career goals and how those goals align with the mission of the program.
 

4. Cumulative GPA

All applicants for admission to RMCAD’s graduate programs must possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Exceptions to the GPA requirement can be made based on applicants’ other documents including CV/resume, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, statement of purpose, and other documents the candidate would like to submit for review.
 

5. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Test Scores

The GRE and other standardized test scores are not required for admission. However, applicants may submit any material they wish to have reviewed in the admissions process, including test scores, letters of recommendation, or other documents attesting to the applicant’s academic goals.
 

6. Professional Evidence

All applicants for admission to RMCAD’s graduate programs must submit a professionally formatted resume or curriculum vitae. Students may select to submit letters of recommendation.

International Applicants - Graduate

International applicants are persons who are not residents of the United States.

All international students studying on an F1 visa will be required to attend RMCAD full-time during the spring and fall semesters if the students are registered as campus students. This means international students will be required to be enrolled full-time taking six credits each eight-week term during the Fall and Spring semesters. Students on an F1 visa are entitled to a vacation term of one semester during the summer semester only provided they intend to register for classes in the fall semester.

1. Application for Admission for International Applicants

Applicants must submit a completed Application for Admission. International applicants must provide their full legal name, birth date, and place of birth. When applying online, this information should be entered under the comments section of the online application, and a signature page requested from the Admissions Counselor. Online applications may be submitted through the RMCAD website at www.rmcad.edu.

2. International Transcripts

International applicants must provide official transcripts showing a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent. Official transcripts for all courses completed at colleges outside of the United States must be submitted to an approved evaluation agency before transfer credit will be awarded by RMCAD. International applicants are required to submit official transcripts for translation and evaluation. Applicants must use a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) http://www.naces.org/members.html.

Credentialed evaluation services prepare evaluation reports that identify the United States equivalents of education completed in other countries. Applicants should request a course-by-course evaluation for college/university studies. A general evaluation may be used for high school/secondary school transcripts. Applicants must submit official transcripts from each college attended to RMCAD’s Office of the Registrar (transcripts will not be forwarded to RMCAD) and must request that a copy of their evaluation be sent directly to RMCAD. Applicants are responsible for paying all fees incurred for evaluations. Evaluation turnaround time may be up to five weeks (or more), so early submission is recommended. Upon receipt of the evaluation, RMCAD’s Office of the Registrar will determine which credits will be accepted based on the guidelines outlined by policy. For more information about transcript evaluation agencies, contact the RMCAD Office of the Registrar at 303.754.6046 or registrar@rmcad.edu.

3. Official TOEFL Scores or Acceptable Equivalent

International applicants must submit acceptable TOEFL scores or must provide proof of English language proficiency by way of successful completion of a college-level English Composition course, or ESL equivalent. Please note courses taken to demonstrate English proficiency must be approved by the academic department before TOEFL waiver and acceptance. All transcripts submitted by students from previously attended schools become a part of their official record. RMCAD does not re-release official or unofficial transcripts earned from other institutions.

Because English is the language of instruction at RMCAD, all students are required to be proficient in English. Non-US resident students must submit proof of English proficiency by providing official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or other proof of English proficiency. TOEFL must reflect a minimum score of 213 on the computerized test, a score of 550 on the written test, a score of 75 on the internet-based test, a score of 6 on IELTS, or successful completion of an English as a Second Language (ESL) course. Each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis. The language requirement may be met based on interviews with the faculty and staff if the student’s native language is English, or if the applicant has graduated from a high school in the U.S. or obtained a degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.

4. Official Financial Documents

International applicants applying for admission to the College, on campus, must submit an official bank statement verifying sufficient funds to cover the cost of attending RMCAD for one year. Contact the Graduate Admissions Office for information on the current amount required. Immigration documents will only be issued to the applicant, RMCAD does not work with 3rd party sponsors or recruiters.

5. Statement of Purpose

A statement of purpose is required. In 500-750 words, the applicant should concisely describe his or her academic and career goals and how those goals align with the mission of their specific degree program.

6. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Test Scores​

The GRE and other standardized test scores are not required for admission. However, applicants may submit any material they wish to be reviewed in the admissions process, including test scores, letters of recommendation, or other documents attesting to the applicant’s academic goals.

7. Cumulative GPA

All applicants for admission to RMCAD’s graduate programs must possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Exceptions to the GPA requirement can be made based on applicants’ other documents including CV/Resume, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, statement of purpose, and other documents the candidate would like to submit for review.

8.  Professional Evidence

All applicants for admission to RMCAD’s graduate programs must submit a professionally formatted resume or curriculum vitae. Students may select to submit letters of recommendation.

High School Dual Enrollment Program

RMCAD offers the opportunity for exceptional junior and senior high school students to enroll for college credit while still completing their high school degrees. Awards of Dual Enrollment credit for courses taken at RMCAD may be used to satisfy high school subject or credit requirements, as determined by the student’s high school. Dual enrollment students may take online courses and register for one class in an 8-week term and up to six credits per semester during the fall and spring semesters. Students may register for up to two classes per term during the summer semester. Financial aid is not available and cannot be used to cover the cost of attendance, books, or supplies, although students may receive financial support from their high school. Dual-enrolled students will automatically be accepted to RMCAD upon meeting the college’s admissions requirements. College credit is awarded for Dual Enrollment and will apply toward degree requirements at RMCAD.

The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is in good standing. The HLC sets high educational standards that the College abides by, including those that govern dual enrollment programs. Acceptance of transfer credits is the sole discretion of the receiving institution and RMCAD cannot guarantee that credits will transfer to other institutions of higher education.

Students enrolling in Dual Enrollment courses must meet the course prerequisites when required.

Click the following link for a list of 

The Dual Enrollment Courses have been designed to enable current applicants to take classes for credit while the student is gathering the necessary documents required for official acceptance at RMCAD. Course tuition is not eligible for financial aid and must be paid for directly by the student.

• Students must have an active application on file for a future term and pay the tuition of $450 per class.

• Students are responsible for obtaining the required book(s) and supplies

Contact RMCAD’s Admissions Department for more information at 800.888.2787 or admissions@rmcad.edu

Dual Enrollment Requirements

Students must meet standard undergraduate and Dual Enrollment admissions requirements. Requirements are as follows:

1. Application for Admission

Applicants must submit a completed Application for Admission. Applications must be completed online at www.rmcad.edu.

2. Transcripts

​Official high school transcripts should be sent directly to the Admissions Department.

3. Cumulative GPA

All applicants must possess a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher to reflect an ability to succeed in a college environment.

4. Interview with an Admissions Counselor

An interview with an Admissions Counselor either in person or by telephone is required. Through the personal interview, applicants will gain a better understanding of the visual arts and music production education at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. To arrange an interview time, please contact the Admissions Office at 800.888.2787 or admissions@rmcad.edu.

5. Parent/Guardian Consent

RMCAD requires parental or legal guardian consent to attend RMCAD for students under 18, as they may be working with nude models or subjected to works/lectures containing the nude body as artistic references.