At $28,037/yr net price, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design graduates earn $42,958/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,958/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,037 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $112,148 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,958/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,958/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,444/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,409/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,579/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,693/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,376/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Bachelor | $35,274 | $31,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $27,474 | $31,750 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
36.5% of students at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the cost. With median earnings of $43,000 ten years after graduation and typical debt loads of $31,000, graduates face a challenging financial reality that worsens when you factor in the school's 36% graduation rate.
The earnings data across majors tells a stark story. Computer Software and Media Applications leads at $35,274 annually, but even this top-performing program generates income well below what you'd need to comfortably service student loans. Design and Applied Arts graduates earn just $27,474, while Fine and Studio Arts majors face particularly harsh prospects at $25,194 per year. These figures represent median outcomes only for students who actually complete their degrees.
The 57% retention rate signals that many students leave before graduating, often carrying debt without a credential to show for it. For a for-profit institution charging $28,000 annually after aid, these completion rates present substantial financial risk.
This school makes financial sense only for students with significant family financial support who can graduate debt-free and view the education as personal enrichment rather than career preparation. If you need your degree to generate income that justifies its cost, you should look elsewhere. The combination of high tuition, low completion rates, and modest graduate earnings creates a financial equation that works against most students.
Consider this school only if you can afford to treat the education as an expensive hobby. For career-focused students, especially those requiring loans, the numbers point toward exploring more affordable alternatives or programs with stronger employment outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design worth the cost?
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design has questionable value given its $28,037 annual cost and low $42,958 median earnings after 10 years. The 36.5% graduation rate and $31,000 median debt create additional financial risk for students who don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design?
Computer Software and Media Applications graduates earn the most at $35,274 annually, followed by Design and Applied Arts at $27,474. Fine and Studio Arts graduates earn just $25,194, making it the lowest-paying major at the school.
How much debt do Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $31,000, which is concerning given the low earning potential across most programs. With starting salaries often below $30,000 in art fields, loan payments can consume a large portion of graduate income.
What is the graduation rate at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design?
Only 36.5% of students graduate from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. This means nearly two-thirds of students leave without a degree but may still carry student loan debt from their time at the school.