Scholarships
Admissions
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
RMCAD SCHOLARSHIPS - INCOMING STUDENTS
Being an artist is its own reward, but we like to sweeten the deal by offering a variety of scholarships for college students. RMCAD provides several opportunities for students to earn institutional scholarships. Have a question? Email admissions@rmcad.edu for more information.
The Academic Achievement Scholarship is awarded to incoming
new students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on a
4.0 scale.
Amount Awarded Per Semester:
- On campus, full time (12+ credits): $450
- On campus, part time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $225
- Online, full time (12+ credits): $400
- Online, part time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $200
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in 12 credits per semester, six
credits per term except for summer terms where students may take
three credits per eight-week term, six credits per semester. To
maintain the scholarship, students must maintain a 3.5+ GPA, 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 incoming new students on the strength and quality of their admissions portfolio determined by the Portfolio Review Committee.
Amount Awarded Per Semester:
- On campus, full time (12+ credits): $450
- On campus, part time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $225
- Online, full time (12+ credits): $400
- Online, part time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $200
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in 12 credits per semester, six credits per term except for summer terms where students may take three credits per eight-week term, six credits per semester. To maintain the scholarship, students must maintain a 3.0+ GPA, have all tuition balances paid in full every term, or have a current payment plan in place. 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.
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 2023. Up to five Best of Colorado Scholarships are awarded each year to new, incoming students for the Fall A Term.
Amount Awarded Per Semester:
- On campus, full time (12+ credits): $3,500
- On campus, part time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $1,750
- Online, full time (12+ credits): $2,800
- Online, Part time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $1,400
Eligibility: Students must enroll in 12 credits per semester, six credits per term with the exception of summer terms where students may take three credits per eight-week term, six credits per semester. In order to maintain the scholarship, students must maintain a 3.0+ GPA.
How to Apply: All admissions requirements are due by February 1 (portfolio, statement of intent, transcripts). Students must submit a portfolio of five images that best reflect their work and write a 500-word essay on the topic of “the impact of art and design on the 21st century.”
The Best of Colorado Scholarship is not stackable with other institutional scholarships and grants.
The Partners in Success Scholarship is awarded to 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:
- Online + on campus: $500 in graduating semester
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in 12 credits per semester, six credits per term except for summer terms where students may take three credits per eight-week term, six credits per semester. To maintain the scholarship, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA (2.5 for Art Education students), 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 students that received a RMCAD portfolio review while attending a National Portfolio Day event.
Visit here for more information.
Amount Awarded Per Semester:
- Full time (both online + on campus)(12+ credits): $1,000
- Part time (both online + on campus)(6-11 credits): $500
Eligibility: Students must enroll in 12 credits per semester, six credits per term except for summer terms where students may take three credits per eight-week term, six credits per
semester. To maintain the scholarship, recipients must maintain a 3.0 as a RMCAD student.
How to Apply: Eligible students will be automatically considered for the National Portfolio Day Scholarship—no separate application is required.
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 – On campus, full time (12+ credits): $5,300. Online full time (12+ credits): $4,500
- Platinum – On campus, part time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $2,650. Online part time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $2,250
- Gold – On campus, full time (12+ credits): $5,000. Online full time (12+ credits): $4,250.
- Gold – On campus, part time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $2,500. Online part time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $2,125.
- Silver – On campus, full time (12+ credits): $4,400. Online full time (12+ credits): $3,750.
- Silver – On campus, part time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $2,200. Online part time during summer semesters (6-11 credits): $1,875.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in 12 credits per semester, six credits per term (full time enrollment) with the exception of summer terms where students may take three credits per eight-week term, six credits per semester (part time enrollment). Students must be full-time during Fall and Spring Semesters, and may attend part-time during the Summer and remain eligible for the Presidential Scholarship. Students must also maintain a 3.5 GPA.
How to Apply: All admissions requirements are due by February 1 (portfolio, statement of intent, transcripts).
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. The reduced tuition grant goes into effect starting in the 2022/2023 academic school year.
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)
Jeffco Teachers – 50% discounted rate for continuing education
- Contact admissions@rmcad.edu for more information.
Eligibility: Current students who went to a Jefferson County high school will be grandfathered in based on their current grade level. This applies to all Jefferson County graduates.
In order to be Title IV eligible for our Masters program, you will need to be in 12+ credit hours for Full-Time eligibility, and 6-11 credit hours for Part-Time eligibility.
How to Apply: Please complete the following form.
This scholarship is not stackable with any other internal scholarships or institutional grants.
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 students who have transferred in 45+ credits from a previous college or university. Transfer credits are accepted from regionally 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:
- On campus + online, full time (12+ credits): $500
- On campus + online, part time (6-11 credits): $250
Eligibility: Students must enroll in 12 credits per semester, six credits per term with the exception of summer terms where students may take three credits per eight-week term, six credits per semester. In order to maintain the scholarship, recipients must maintain a 3.0+ GPA.
How to Apply: Students will be automatically considered for the New Perspective Scholarship—no separate application is required. Simply apply for admission and meet the criteria including transcripts on file with the Registrar.
The New Perspective Scholarship is only stackable with the Academic Achievement scholarship.
RMCAD SCHOLARSHIPS + GRANTS - CURRENT STUDENTS
Hard work pays off, and so do scholarship competitions and grant opportunities. Have a question? Email scholarships@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 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.
Memorial Scholarships are awarded based on essay quality and effort, GPA, citizenship, and community involvement. Memorial Scholarships are available to current RMCAD students on a year-round basis.
Amount Awarded:
- 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: Students must be currently enrolled for at least six credits, have declared a major, and be working toward one of RMCAD’s conferred degrees. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must have a 3.5+ GPA.
How to Apply: All students will be notified about this competition via their RMCAD email account each semester. Students can email scholarships@rmcad.edu with any questions.
All eligible students may apply for a Memorial Scholarship each and every semester enrolled. Students are eligible for one RMCAD Memorial Scholarship per catalog year.
Memorial Scholarships are awarded based on essay quality and effort, GPA, citizenship, and community involvement. Memorial Scholarships are available to current RMCAD students on a year-round basis.
Amount Awarded:
- 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: Students must be currently enrolled for at least six credits, have declared a major, and be working toward one of RMCAD’s conferred degrees. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must have a 3.5+ GPA.
How to Apply: All students will be notified about this competition via their RMCAD email account each semester. Students can email scholarships@rmcad.edu with any questions.
All eligible students may apply for a Memorial Scholarship each and every semester enrolled. Students are eligible for one RMCAD Memorial Scholarship per catalog year.
Memorial Scholarships are awarded based on essay quality and effort, GPA, citizenship, and community involvement. Memorial Scholarships are available to current RMCAD students on a year-round basis.
Amount Awarded:
- 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: Students must be currently enrolled for at least six credits, have declared a major, and be working toward one of RMCAD’s conferred degrees. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must have a 3.5+ GPA.
How to Apply: All students will be notified about this competition via their RMCAD email account each semester. Students can email scholarships@rmcad.edu with any questions.
All eligible students may apply for a Memorial Scholarship each and every semester enrolled. Students are eligible for one RMCAD Memorial Scholarship per catalog year.
Memorial Scholarships are awarded based on essay quality and effort, GPA, citizenship, and community involvement. Memorial Scholarships are available to current RMCAD students on a year-round basis.
Amount Awarded:
- 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: Students must be currently enrolled for at least six credits, have declared a major, and be working toward one of RMCAD’s conferred degrees. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must have a 3.5+ GPA.
How to Apply: All students will be notified about this competition via their RMCAD email account each semester. Students can email scholarships@rmcad.edu with any questions.
All eligible students may apply for a Memorial Scholarship each and every semester enrolled. Students are eligible for one RMCAD Memorial Scholarship per catalog year.
Memorial Scholarships are awarded based on essay quality and effort, GPA, citizenship, and community involvement. Memorial Scholarships are available to current RMCAD students on a year-round basis.
Amount Awarded:
- On campus, full time (12+ credits): $1,700
- On campus, part time (6-11 credits): $850
- Online, full time (12+ credits): $1,300
- Online (6-11 credits): $650
Eligibility: Students must be currently enrolled for at least six credits, have declared a major, and be working toward one of RMCAD’s conferred degrees. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must have a 3.5+ GPA.
How to Apply: All students will be notified about this competition via their RMCAD email account each semester. Students can email scholarships@rmcad.edu with any questions.
All eligible students may apply for a Memorial Scholarship each and every semester enrolled. Students are eligible for one RMCAD Memorial Scholarship per catalog year.
Memorial Scholarships are awarded based on essay quality and effort, GPA, citizenship, and community involvement. Memorial Scholarships are available to current RMCAD students on a year-round basis.
Amount Awarded:
- 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: Students must be currently enrolled for at least six credits, have declared a major, and be working toward one of RMCAD’s conferred degrees. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must have a 3.5+ GPA.
How to Apply: All students will be notified about this competition via their RMCAD email account each semester. Students can email scholarships@rmcad.edu with any questions.
All eligible students may apply for a Memorial Scholarship each and every semester enrolled. Students are eligible for one RMCAD Memorial Scholarship per catalog year.
Memorial Scholarships are awarded based on essay quality and effort, GPA, citizenship, and community involvement. Memorial Scholarships are available to current RMCAD students on a year-round basis.
Amount Awarded:
- 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: Students must be currently enrolled for at least six credits, have declared a major, and be working toward one of RMCAD’s conferred degrees. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must have a 3.5+ GPA.
How to Apply: All students will be notified about this competition via their RMCAD email account each semester. Students can email scholarships@rmcad.edu with any questions.
All eligible students may apply for a Memorial Scholarship each and every semester enrolled. Students are eligible for one RMCAD Memorial Scholarship per catalog year.
Memorial Scholarships are awarded based on essay quality and effort, GPA, citizenship, and community involvement. Memorial Scholarships are available to current RMCAD students on a year-round basis.
Amount Awarded:
- 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: Students must be currently enrolled for at least six credits, have declared a major, and be working toward one of RMCAD’s conferred degrees. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must have a 3.5+ GPA.
How to Apply: All students will be notified about this competition via their RMCAD email account each semester. Students can email scholarships@rmcad.edu with any questions.
All eligible students may apply for a Memorial Scholarship each and every semester enrolled. Students are eligible for one RMCAD Memorial Scholarship per catalog year.
Memorial Scholarships are awarded based on essay quality and effort, GPA, citizenship, and community involvement. Memorial Scholarships are available to current RMCAD students on a year-round basis.
Amount Awarded:
- 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: Students must be currently enrolled for at least six credits, have declared a major, and be working toward one of RMCAD’s conferred degrees. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must have a 3.5+ GPA.
How to Apply: All students will be notified about this competition via their RMCAD email account each semester. Students can email scholarships@rmcad.edu with any questions.
All eligible students may apply for a Memorial Scholarship each and every semester enrolled. Students are eligible for one RMCAD Memorial Scholarship per catalog year.
Student Ambassadors are hired to serve as peer mentors to new students during Orientation and throughout the first year. They work to create community amongst the diverse group of artists and designers at RMCAD by planning events for the entire student body and within the academic departments, as well as 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 Melinda Kern at mkern@rmcad.edu for more information.
Eligibility: To be a student ambassador, students must enroll in 12 credits per semester and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
We are no longer accepting applications for this scholarship. All previous winners will continue to receive awards based on their individual eligibility requirements. Contact the Financial Aid Department for questions.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in 12 credits per semester, six credits per term with the exception of summer terms where students may take three credits per eight-week term, six credits per semester. In order to maintain the scholarship, students must maintain a
3.5+ GPA, have all tuition balances paid in full every term, or have a current payment plan in place.
We are no longer accepting applications for this scholarship. All previous winners will continue to receive awards based on their individual eligibility requirements. Contact the Financial Aid Department for questions.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in 12 credits per semester, six credits per term with the exception of summer terms where students may take three credits per eight-week term, six credits per semester. In order to maintain the scholarship, students must maintain a 3.0+ GPA. 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.
EXTERNAL SCHOLARSHIPS
We’re always keeping an eye out for available outside scholarships as well. 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:
Grade Potential Tutoring Scholarship
www.tuftandpaw.com
Deadline: May 15, 2022
Amount of Award: $1,000
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.
CESDA Diversity Scholarship
www.cesda.org
CESDA (Colorado Educational Services and Development Association, Inc.) awards scholarships to underrepresented, economically and disadvantaged students from various high schools throughout the State of Colorado.
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.
Interior Design
The Havenly Scholarship for Denver Interior Design Students
havenly.com/interior-designers/denver/community
At Havenly, we believe that interior design should be accessible to all, including aspiring designers. We started the Havenly Scholarship to support the next generation of creatives, architects, and interior designers from all walks of life. Through this initiative, we hope to help eliminate barriers to entry and foster creativity for students in the Denver area.
Eligibility: Students 17 years of age or older from Denver, CO who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or certificate program at an accredited college or university for the 2023-24 academic year with an interest in a career in interior design or related study.
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.
Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program
www.horatioalger.org
The scholarship fund is looking for students who have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity. Critical financial need is an eligibility requirement.
Affordable College Guide
www.affordablecolleges.com
Sallie Mae Fund Scholarships
www.thesalliemaefund.org
All of their scholarship programs are based on financial need. Several programs are listed on the website.
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:
