At $33,342/yr net price, College for Creative Studies graduates earn $44,860/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,860/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,342 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $133,368 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,860/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,860/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $29,648/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,176/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,467/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,869/yr |
| $110,001+ | $37,605/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
69.6% of students at College for Creative Studies graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
College for Creative Studies delivers mixed financial returns that vary dramatically by major. Your choice of program will determine whether you face a manageable investment or a financial disaster.
Design and Applied Arts offers the strongest ROI at this school, with graduates earning enough to justify the debt load. However, most other creative programs create serious financial challenges. Fine and Studio Arts graduates earn just $19,592 annually while carrying substantial debt, creating an unsustainable financial burden. Film, photography, and graphic communications majors face similar struggles with starting salaries barely above $25,000.
The school's 69% graduation rate means three out of ten students leave without completing their degree, often still carrying debt. Detroit's limited creative job market compounds these challenges, though the city's ongoing revitalization efforts may create new opportunities over time.
You should consider this school only if you plan to study design and applied arts, have significant family financial support, or can minimize borrowing through scholarships. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited financial assistance availability. Students passionate about fine arts or film should seriously evaluate whether the debt burden aligns with realistic career earnings in these fields.
This school works best for students with clear commercial design career goals who can graduate debt-free or with minimal borrowing. If you need loans to attend and plan to study fine arts, film, or crafts, the financial mathematics do not work in your favor. Consider more affordable state schools or community college transfer pathways to reduce overall costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College for Creative Studies worth the cost?
College for Creative Studies has mixed ROI with graduates earning $44,860 annually against a $33,342 yearly cost. Design programs show better returns at $43,798, but fine arts graduates average only $19,592, making debt repayment difficult.
What is the job outlook for College for Creative Studies graduates?
CCS graduates face challenging job prospects with median earnings of $44,860 and a 69.6% graduation rate. Design majors have better earning potential, while fine arts and crafts programs lead to significantly lower starting salaries.
How much student debt do College for Creative Studies students graduate with?
CCS graduates carry a median debt of $26,000. With lower-paying programs like fine arts averaging $19,592 annually, many graduates struggle with debt-to-income ratios that exceed recommended levels.
Which programs at College for Creative Studies have the best return on investment?
Design and Applied Arts offers the strongest ROI at CCS with graduates earning $43,798 annually. Fine arts, crafts, and film programs show poor returns with salaries ranging from $19,592 to $25,194.