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College for Creative Studies (CCS) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About College for Creative Studies

Set in Detroit's cultural center, the College for Creative Studies is known for studio-intensive learning where craft and concept carry equal weight. Students work across visual arts and design, moving from sketchbook to prototype in light filled studios, fabrication shops, digital labs, photo suites, and campus galleries. Support sits close to the work, with advising, counseling, library resources, and career services easy to reach.

Campus culture feels hands-on, critique driven, and collaborative. Expect late nights with peers, then gallery openings, visiting artist talks, clubs, and quick coffee runs in Midtown. Detroit adds momentum with internships, industry-sponsored projects, and chances to build public work, plus museums, markets, and greenways nearby. A renovated industrial landmark anchors much of the making, with regular public exhibitions. Graduates plug into strong networks; alumni like Ralph Gilles show where it can lead.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 201 E Kirby, Detroit, Michigan, 48202, USA
Phone: +1 (313) 664-7400
Website: collegeforcreativestudies.edu
Unit ID: 169442

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: HLC
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Other Award
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research 4-Year Focus - Law
Campus Setting: Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Tuition: In-state: $51,355 (Tuition $49,950 + Fee $1,405) · Out-of-state: $51,355 (Tuition $49,950 + Fee $1,405)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 1,459
Undergraduate: 1,285
Graduate/Other: 174
Male: 491 Female: 968
Applications:
Total Applicants: 1,132
Admitted: 1,050
Enrolled: 262
Acceptance: 92.8% Yield: 25%
Staff:
Total: 531 Full-time: 261 Part-time: 270

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at College for Creative Studies (CCS) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Michigan. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Michigan vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Arts (10)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0201 Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the aesthetics, techniques, and creative processes for designing and fashioning objects in one or more of the handcraft or folk art traditions, and that prepares individuals to create in any of these media.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $78,150 -$24,090 (-23.6%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $29,320 -$16,020 (-35.3%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $54,980 -$24,510 (-30.8%)
50.0402 Commercial and Advertising Art. (Cert2y+)
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences via illustrations and other forms of digital or printed media. Includes instruction in concept design, layout, paste-up, and techniques such as engraving, etching, silkscreen, lithography, offset, drawing and cartooning, painting, collage, and computer graphics.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $54,980 -$24,510 (-30.8%)
27-1021 Commercial and Industrial Designers $88,000 $81,530 -$6,470 (-7.4%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $53,060 -$15,550 (-22.7%)
50.0407 Fashion/Apparel Design. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic principles and techniques to the professional design of commercial fashions, apparel, and accessories, and the management of fashion development projects. Includes instruction in apparel design; accessory design; the design of men's', women's', and children's' wear; flat pattern design; computer-assisted design and manufacturing; concept planning; designing in specific materials; labor and cost analysis; history of fashion; fabric art and printing; and the principles of management and operations in the fashion industry.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $78,150 -$24,090 (-23.6%)
27-1022 Fashion Designers $122,430 N/A N/A
50.0408 Interior Design. (Cert2y+)
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to apply artistic principles and techniques to the professional planning, designing, equipping, and furnishing of residential and commercial interior spaces. Includes instruction in computer applications, drafting, and graphic techniques; principles of interior lighting, acoustics, systems integration, and color coordination; furniture and furnishings; textiles and their finishing; the history of interior design and period styles; basic structural design; building codes and inspection regulations; and applications to office, hotel, factory, restaurant and housing design.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
25-1031 Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $110,360 $92,180 -$18,180 (-16.5%)
27-1025 Interior Designers $71,430 $76,620 +$5,190 (+7.3%)
50.0409 Graphic Design. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic and computer techniques to the interpretation of technical and commercial concepts. Includes instruction in computer-assisted art and design, printmaking, concepts sketching, technical drawing, color theory, imaging, studio technique, still and life modeling, multimedia applications, communication skills and commercial art business operations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $74,240 -$37,210 (-33.4%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $78,150 -$24,090 (-23.6%)
27-1011 Art Directors $128,100 $105,160 -$22,940 (-17.9%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $71,630 -$38,480 (-34.9%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $54,980 -$24,510 (-30.8%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $53,060 -$15,550 (-22.7%)
50.0410 Illustration. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to develop and execute interpretations of the concepts of authors and designers to specifications. Includes instruction in book illustration, fashion illustration, map illustration, rendering, exhibit preparation, textual layout, cartooning, and the use of various artistic techniques as requested by clients.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $78,150 -$24,090 (-23.6%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $54,980 -$24,510 (-30.8%)
27-1027 Set and Exhibit Designers $78,450 $46,020 -$32,430 (-41.3%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 $71,700 -$6,300 (-8.1%)
50.0499 Design and Applied Arts, Other. (PostBacCert)
Any instructional program in design and applied arts not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
99-9999 NO MATCH N/A N/A N/A
50.0602 Cinematography and Film/Video Production. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to communicate dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the making and producing of films and videos. Includes instruction in theory of film, film technology and equipment operation, film production, film directing, film editing, cinematographic art, film audio, techniques for making specific types of films and/or videos, media technologies, computer image making, multi-media production, and the planning and management of film/video operations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $78,150 -$24,090 (-23.6%)
27-2012 Producers and Directors $114,280 $57,870 -$56,410 (-49.4%)
27-4031 Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $79,870 $49,790 -$30,080 (-37.7%)
27-4032 Film and Video Editors $83,530 $62,540 -$20,990 (-25.1%)
50.0605 Photography. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the principles and techniques of communicating information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the creation of images on photographic film, plates, and digital images and that may prepare individuals to be professional photographic artists. Includes instruction in camera and equipment operation and maintenance, film and plate developing, light and composition, films and printing media, color and special effects, photographic art, photographic history, use of computer applications to record or enhance images and applications to the photography of various subjects.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $78,150 -$24,090 (-23.6%)
27-4021 Photographers $55,650 $62,410 +$6,760 (+12.1%)
50.0799 Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other. (Cert2y+)
Any instructional program in fine arts and art studies not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $78,150 -$24,090 (-23.6%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $57,500 -$18,950 (-24.8%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $54,980 -$24,510 (-30.8%)
Media Tech (1)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
10.0304 Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to use computer applications and related visual and sound imaging techniques to manipulate images and information originating as film, video, still photographs, digital copy, soundtracks, and physical objects in order to communicate messages simulating real-world content. Includes instruction in specialized camerawork and equipment operation and maintenance, image capture, computer programming, dubbing, CAD applications, and applications to specific commercial, industrial, and entertainment needs.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $71,630 -$38,480 (-34.9%)
Eng. Technologies (2)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
15.1301 Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to generally apply technical skills to create working drawings and computer simulations for a variety of applications. Includes instruction in specification interpretation, dimensioning techniques, drafting calculations, material estimation, technical communications, computer applications, and interpersonal communications.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
17-3011 Architectural and Civil Drafters $68,860 $49,450 -$19,410 (-28.2%)
17-3012 Electrical and Electronics Drafters $77,960 $75,450 -$2,510 (-3.2%)
17-3013 Mechanical Drafters $74,040 $64,200 -$9,840 (-13.3%)
17-3019 Drafters, All Other $66,530 $64,670 -$1,860 (-2.8%)
Computer & IT (1)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0801 Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply HTML, CSS, XML, JavaScript, graphics applications, and other authoring tools to the design, editing, and publishing (launching) of documents, images, graphics, sound, and multimedia products on the World Wide Web. Includes instruction in Internet theory, web page standards and policies, elements of web page design, user interfaces, vector tools, special effects, interactive and multimedia components, search engines, navigation, morphing, e-commerce tools, and emerging web technologies.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
15-1254 Web Developers $98,790 $90,170 -$8,620 (-8.7%)
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $74,240 -$37,210 (-33.4%)
25-1194 Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $68,710 $56,060 -$12,650 (-18.4%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $71,630 -$38,480 (-34.9%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $53,060 -$15,550 (-22.7%)
Interdisciplinary (3)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.0000 MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES. (Cert2y+)
Instructional programs that derive from two or more distinct programs to provide a cross-cutting focus on a subject concentration that is not subsumed under a single discipline or occupational field.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
99-9999 NO MATCH N/A N/A N/A
30.0601 Systems Science and Theory. (PostBacCert)
A program with a multidisciplinary approach to the analysis and solution of complex problems, requiring a combined approach using data and models from the natural, social, technological, behavioral and life sciences, and other specialized fields.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $125,440 -$24,450 (-16.3%)
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $67,880 -$26,590 (-28.1%)
30.3101 Human Computer Interaction. (PostBacCert)
An interdisciplinary program that focuses on the study of the interaction between people and technology and how that technology impacts society, and combines disciplines within the fields of computing and information science (information systems, software engineering, artificial intelligence and design), engineering, and the behavior sciences (cognitive science, cognitive psychology, sociology, organizational psychology, and social psychology). Includes instruction in information technology, cognitive and behavioral sciences, and systems design.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers $187,990 $145,330 -$42,660 (-22.7%)
15-1221 Computer and Information Research Scientists $152,310 $137,090 -$15,220 (-10%)
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $74,240 -$37,210 (-33.4%)
15-1299 Computer Occupations, All Other $116,700 $90,830 -$25,870 (-22.2%)
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $115,760 +$9,930 (+9.4%)
Education (1)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1302 Art Teacher Education. (AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to teach art and art appreciation programs at various educational levels.

Graduate Career Earnings in Michigan

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Michigan Avg MI vs US
25-1081 Education Teachers, Postsecondary $78,500 $75,790 -$2,710 (-3.5%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $78,150 -$24,090 (-23.6%)
25-2022 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $70,040 $61,340 -$8,700 (-12.4%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $65,260 -$8,440 (-11.5%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$67,865
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$67,865
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$51,355
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$51,355
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$11,040
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$2,154
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$3,316
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$3,316
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$53,575
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$53,575
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

17%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$26,983
Avg. Loan
$8,318
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,287
Additional
Students with Any Grant
248
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
174
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
85
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$23,329
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

70%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
76%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$22,591 – $75,526
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$22,591 (25th %) $75,526 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $44,860
Median Salary After 6 Years
$33,691
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$44,860
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
56.4%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
68.5%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$26,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 40.1%
Middle 61.1%
High 67.1%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 60.0%
Independent 39.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about College for Creative Studies (CCS)

How much does it cost to attend College for Creative Studies (CCS)?

The annual tuition at College for Creative Studies (CCS) is $51,355 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $67,865 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,040 and books and supplies $2,154.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does College for Creative Studies offer?

College for Creative Studies (CCS) offers 21 academic programs across 6 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (10 programs)
  • Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (3 programs)
  • Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (2 programs)
  • Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (1 programs)
  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for College for Creative Studies?

College for Creative Studies (CCS) has an 92.8% acceptance rate and a 25% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 1,132
  • Students admitted: 1,050
  • Students enrolled: 262

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at College for Creative Studies?

College for Creative Studies (CCS) provides financial aid to 17% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $26,983 and average loans of $8,318.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,226
  • State/Local grants: $3,286
  • Institutional grants: $23,329
  • Federal loans: $5,287

The university supports 248 students with grants and 174 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for College for Creative Studies graduates?

College for Creative Studies (CCS) graduates earn a median salary of $33,691 after 6 years and $44,860 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $22,591 (25th percentile) to $75,526 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $84,800 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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