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49.2%Acceptance
$51,355Tuition
1,285Students
70%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$44,860Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About College for Creative Studies

College for Creative Studies has built its reputation as Detroit's top art and design institution, training the next generation of creative professionals in the heart of America's automotive capital. With 1,285 students, this specialized college maintains deep connections to the car industry that surrounds it. Notable alumni include Ralph Gilles, who designs for Chrysler, and legendary custom car builder Chip Foose. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship in studios and workshops. Students compete as the Peacocks while honing their craft in everything from transportation design to fine arts.

The financial picture requires careful consideration for prospective artists. Students pay an average net price of $33,342 after aid, less than the $51,355 sticker price. Graduates typically earn $44,860 ten years after graduation, while carrying median debt of $26,000. The monthly loan payment of $276 represents a manageable burden for creative professionals. Only 28% of students receive federal Pell grants, suggesting many families can afford the investment in specialized arts education.

Women comprise 67% of the student body, and 75% of students come from Michigan. The 69.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of portfolio-based programs. Most importantly, 90.9% of graduates find employment in their creative fields.

Academics & Faculty

The College for Creative Studies is Detroit's top art and design institution, known for producing automotive designers who shape the industry. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, students get intensive mentorship from working professionals. The school's Transportation Design program is legendary, graduating designers like Ralph Gilles and Chip Foose who now lead major automotive studios. The 67% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding portfolio-based curriculum. Students dive deep into specialized areas like Product Design, Illustration, and Fine Arts. The college's location in Detroit provides direct access to the Big Three automakers and emerging mobility companies. Faculty members are practicing artists and designers who bring real-world experience into studios and critiques.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
66.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
69.6%
Retention Rate
76.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,860

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Design and Applied Arts. Bachelor $43,798
Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry. Bachelor $25,194
Film/Video and Photographic Arts. Bachelor $25,194
Graphic Communications. Bachelor $23,207
Fine and Studio Arts. Bachelor $19,592

View all 10 programs →

Campus Life

Campus life centers around CCS's cluster of renovated buildings in Detroit's cultural district. With housing for only 626 students and total enrollment of 1,285, about half the student body commutes from metro Detroit since 74.85% are Michigan residents. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll work closely with professors in studios that stay busy late into the night.

Detroit winters demand serious coats and boots, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for exploring nearby Midtown attractions. Students frequent the Detroit Institute of Arts just blocks away and catch shows at the Fox Theatre downtown. Weekend studio sessions are common since art students often work around the clock on projects. The small community means everyone knows each other, and the 67.08% female student body creates a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. With 90.9% of graduates finding employment, students focus intensely on building portfolios that will land jobs at Ford, GM, or design firms. The Peacocks may be a small school, but the creative energy fills every corner of campus.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
626 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Stalking 2 0 0 0
Fondling 1 0 0 0
Robbery 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
19°–32°F
July Avg
64°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
29.9"
Annual Snowfall
27.9"

Student Demographics

The College for Creative Studies draws heavily from Michigan, with three-quarters of students staying in-state to pursue art and design careers. Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the school's emphasis on fields like illustration and product design that have attracted more female students in recent years. The campus serves a economically diverse mix, with over a quarter receiving Pell Grants. This blend of local talent and varied backgrounds creates a collaborative environment where Detroit's industrial design heritage meets contemporary creative vision, preparing students for careers in automotive design and beyond.
Men
32.9%
Women
67.1%
White
53.4%
Black
11.6%
Hispanic
5.1%
Asian
5.1%
In-State Students
74.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
28.3%

Location

College for Creative Studies sits in Detroit, Michigan, the nation's 23rd largest city with 639,000 residents. The campus occupies the heart of Detroit's Cultural Center, surrounded by strong museums and galleries. Detroit's automotive legacy runs deep, providing CCS students direct access to design studios at Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. The city has transformed from industrial powerhouse to creative center, with growing tech and design sectors. Students live in a major metropolitan area with professional internship opportunities within walking distance. Detroit's cost of living remains 15% below the national average, stretching student budgets further. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare College for Creative Studies with similar schools in the region.
Address
Detroit, Michigan 48202

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,860
Median Earnings (5 years)
$52,724
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,100
Loan Repayment Rate
56.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at College for Creative Studies?

College for Creative Studies admits 49.20% of applicants. This selective art school draws students passionate about automotive design and visual arts. The relatively competitive admission rate reflects the specialized nature of creative programs.

How much does College for Creative Studies cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $33,342 after aid, despite a sticker price of $51,355. Only 28.26% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many families can afford the full tuition. Graduates typically leave with $26,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $276.

What are the academics like at College for Creative Studies?

Students work closely with faculty in a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on creative work with strong ties to Detroit's automotive industry. About 76.49% of students return after their first year.

How much do College for Creative Studies graduates earn?

Recent graduates earn a median of $29,601 in their first year out of college. Earnings climb to $44,860 after ten years, reflecting the specialized nature of creative careers. The employment rate reaches 90.9%, showing strong job placement in competitive creative fields.

Where do students live at College for Creative Studies?

The campus houses 626 students in Detroit's urban setting. Room and board costs $11,040 annually for on-campus living. About 75% of the 1,285 students come from Michigan, drawn to the school's automotive design reputation.

Is College for Creative Studies known for automotive design?

The school has deep connections to Detroit's automotive industry and has produced notable designers like Ralph Gilles and Chip Foose. Women make up 67.08% of the student body, while the school maintains strong industry partnerships. The 69.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of professional art education.