Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.6%
- Retention Rate
- 76.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $44,860
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $26,000 |
| Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $30,620 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $27,000 |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $23,207 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $19,592 |
Outcomes Overview
CCS graduates enter a competitive creative economy where the median debt of $26,000 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58. Monthly loan payments of $276 consume about 7.4% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 90.9% employment rate reflects strong industry connections, particularly in automotive design where Detroit's Big Three actively recruit. Alumni like Ralph Gilles at Stellantis and Chip Foose demonstrate the school's pipeline into high-paying design roles. While starting salaries at $29,601 appear modest, earnings jump to $52,724 within five years as creative professionals build portfolios and advance. Despite the hefty $64,549 total cost, CCS delivers a strong return on investment for dedicated artists.