The Denver-based Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) is a leading art institution dedicated to nurturing creative talent via an educational approach that is as diverse and innovative as it is rigorous. RMCAD is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and offers undergraduate degree programs in 11 artistic fields such as interior design, illustration, graphic design, game art, and animation.
The Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is ranked highly by many publications in the United States for its educational quality and varied programs. In 2024 alone, RMCAD was ranked:
- #1 on NewsBreak’s Colorado’s Premier Colleges and Universities list, who says, “The Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design isn’t just about studios and critiques; it’s about forging artistic identities under the open sky.”
- #16 by EDsmart on their list of the best colleges and universities in Colorado
- #40 by Animation Career Review on their ranking of the top 50 animation schools in the United States.
The secret to the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design’s top reviews and academic success lies in its mission and values. RMCAD understands that creativity is something to be nurtured and developed in students and provides the education and resources needed to develop not only their artistic skills but critical thinking and analysis as well. By embracing diversity on campus and maintaining a focus on social responsibility, the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design aims to develop a student and staff body that makes a positive impact on the world.
Commitment to Diversity
The Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design was founded by Philip J. Steele in 1963, an illustrator and educator who was passionate about nurturing students’ talents while infusing their education with the critical thinking and analysis skills that would let them best contribute to the world in a socially responsible way. His mission was to make RMCAD a “community of creatives” that would instill in all students a passion for creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning in both applied and fine arts. This passion carries through to today in several forms, one of which is RMCAD’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA).
In their diversity statement, RMCAD states: “We welcome people from a multitude of backgrounds who are committed to creativity, academic excellence, societal and cultural evolution and betterment, civility, mutual respect, social justice, and the free and open exchange of ideas.” RMCAD’s pursuit of campus diversity and social responsibility is designed to give all of its students the community-oriented global learning environment the school’s founder dreamed of. The Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design maintains “a policy of inclusiveness that recognizes, values, and reflects the diversity of the community it serves,” acknowledging the value of multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas in such a dynamic learning and working environment.
It is important to note that RMCAD does not mandate specific curricular or educational requirements for students to personally prescribe to the school’s diversity initiatives. The school does, however, expect students to engage in a variety of academic disciplines to build the strong foundation needed for informed and meaningful critical thinking and development. A few examples of such disciplinary studies include fashion design, where students will learn about issues including environmental impact and the global context of the industry; and a broader liberal arts study, where social studies, ethics, and critical thinking studies will be put to the forefront.
A Network of Social Responsibility
The Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design doesn’t limit its commitment to social responsibility and positive impact to the boundaries of its campus. The school is involved with several community initiatives that allow it to leverage its resources, students, and connections to make a difference both locally and abroad. In advancing art and critical thinking, RMCAD hopes to advance culture and make the world a better place.
RMCAD is a proud partner of the 40 West Arts District, one of Colorado’s 21 state-certified creative districts. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the 40 West Art District is a robust artistic community geared toward the advancement and growth of artistic and creative energy through the development of art installations and venues. RMCAD works with 40 West through the Artist in Residence program and provides financial support, board participation, and event contribution.
The school is also a proud member of several committees and organizations. RMCAD is a member of Cumulus, the International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design, and Media. Cumulus is the only global association to serve art, design education, and evolve research in the field and is a forum for partnership, transfer of knowledge, and development of best practices. The school is also partnered with the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA), which works to advance the state’s creative economy by connecting business and the arts. RMCAD encourages staff, students, and faculty to participate in CBCA events to contribute to the artistic culture of Colorado.
Outside of memberships and partnerships, the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design regularly hosts events in cooperation with other entities. RMCAD hosts teachers from the Jefferson County Public Schools District for professional development and workshops, where they learn and discuss new methodologies and teaching practices. RMCAD also hosts events for National Portfolio Day on camps, letting participants meet with representatives from a variety of National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredited colleges in advance of college admission.
Pushing Art Into The Future
The Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is working hard to fulfill its founder’s vision of a major university that is student-centered, values creative and professional development, and drives positive global change. RMCAD RISE (Reflect, Innovate, Serve, and Evolve) is the school’s strategic plan that outlines its five-year roadmap to advance educational excellence, student success, and community engagement. By continuing to prioritize educational innovation, student services, and career readiness, RMCAD stands out as a significant institution in Colorado and beyond.
