Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) vs Design Institute of San Diego
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) and Design Institute of San Diego (DISD) stand out as premier institutions for aspiring artists and designers. While both offer a vibrant creative environment and a strong focus on industry-relevant skills, they differ in several key aspects. RMCAD boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating a more selective admissions process, while DISD offers a more accessible pathway for students seeking a creative education. In terms of student demographics, RMCAD attracts a slightly larger student body, with a higher percentage of female students compared to DISD. When it comes to popular majors, RMCAD excels in Fine Arts and Illustration, while DISD shines in Graphic Design and Digital Media. Both institutions boast impressive graduation rates, preparing their students for successful careers in the creative industries. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more distinctions between these two esteemed art and design schools and make an informed decision that aligns with your unique aspirations and goals.
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![]() Design Institute of San Diego |
![]() Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design |
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Overview |
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Location | San Diego, California | Lakewood, Colorado |
Campus setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (For Profit) | Private (For Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 50.0% | 60.0% |
![]() |
No | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 100.0% | Open Admission |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$25
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Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
|
SAT range | N/A | N/A |
ACT range | N/A | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | ||
Students submitting ACT score | ||
Total number of applicants | 4 | |
Total number of admissions given out | 4 | |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 4 | |
Yield rate | 100.0% | |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | |
High school GPA | Required | N/A |
Recommendation letters | Required | N/A |
High school transcript | Not required | N/A |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | N/A |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $48,752 | $36,403 |
Average net price | $34,113 | $22,837 |
Tuition | $25,500 | $19,425 |
Room & board | ||
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $5,309 |
88.0%
Average amount $6,483 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
100.0%
Average amount $6,804 |
71.0%
Average amount $9,131 |
Students taking out private loans |
0.0%
Average amount $0 |
9.0%
Average amount $9,750 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
119
Men 10.9% Women 89.1% |
1,837
Men 24.0% Women 76.0% |
Graduate students |
8
Men 0.0% Women 100.0% |
12
Men 25.0% Women 75.0% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 25.0% | N/A |
International students | 3.9% | 0.0% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | N/A | N/A |
First year students are required to live on campus? | N/A | N/A |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | California Kansas | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 9:1 | 10:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 50.0% | 43.4% |
Dropout rate | 50.0% | 43.4% |
Transferred out | N/A | 13.2% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
Graphic Communications (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degrees)
Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
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