
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) is a private, for-profit art school located in Lakewood, Colorado. Established in 1963 by artist and educator Philip J. Steele, the college has a rich history of fostering creative talent.
History
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design was founded in January 1963 by artist and educator Philip J. Steele, who acquired the Art for All Studios school from Dorothea Seeley Shulenburg. Renaming it the “Rocky Mountain School of Art,” Steele initially operated it as a proprietorship before officially incorporating the institution on September 11, 1972.
As enrollment grew, the college underwent several relocations. In 2003, it transitioned from its three-building campus in Denver to its current location in Lakewood, a nearby suburb.
In 2010, Bill Heavener, Ed Haddock, and Jon Phelp, owners of Full Sail University, acquired a controlling stake in the college from the Steele family, initiating a major restructuring of the institution and its curriculum. By 2014, following a significant turnover of key faculty, RMCAD adjusted its in-person course schedule to align with online classes. To reduce costs, most liberal arts courses were transitioned to an online format.
Accreditation
RMCAD holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Additionally, its Interior Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
Student Demographics
RMCAD’s undergraduate student body consists of approximately 1,400 students, with a demographic breakdown of 66% female and 34% male, including 41% minority and international students. Additionally, 79% of students come from out of state. The average age of on-campus students is 23, while online students have an average age of 30.
Campus Overview
The Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design campus spans 23 acres (9.3 ha) and features 17 buildings, with 11 dedicated to classrooms, common areas, galleries, and studio spaces. The campus occupies the historic site of the former Jewish Consumptives’ Relief Society, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Jefferson County, Colorado. However, under the ownership of Full Sail and the leadership of RMCAD President Brent Fitch, some historical elements have been altered. The campus is situated within the 40 West Arts District, near Casa Bonita.
Art Galleries at RMCAD
RMCAD is home to four main galleries: the Philip J. Steele Gallery, Rude Gallery, Alumni Gallery, and Student Gallery. The Philip J. Steele Gallery, named after the college’s founder, is the largest exhibition space on campus. The Rude Gallery provides a more intimate setting within the Rude Building, while the Alumni Gallery is prominently featured in the main foyer of the Texas Building. The Student Gallery is housed in the EPiC building, showcasing the creative work of current students.