College for Creative Studies The College for Creative Studies (CCS), founded in 1906 in Detroit, is one of the nation's leading art and design institutions. The urban campus in Detroit's Cultural Center offers specialized programs in automotive design, fine arts, and digital media. CCS maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with instruction from working artists and designers. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education and the newly renovated Argonaut Building. CCS is particularly renowned for its transportation design program that feeds talent to Detroit's automotive industry.
CCS takes pride in its role in Detroit's creative economy and its hands-on, studio-based approach to arts education. Students benefit from small class sizes and extensive internship opportunities with local industries. The college's gallery spaces showcase student and professional work throughout the year. Recent initiatives include expanded programs in user experience design and animation. CCS's combination of artistic excellence, industry connections, and urban location makes it a top choice for students pursuing careers in creative fields.
College for Creative Studies Acceptance Rate
College for Creative Studies (CCS) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 92.76%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
College for Creative Studies Admission Requirements
CCS GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at CCS is 3.19. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 2.89 and 3.19, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
CCS GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at CCS utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.19, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.19 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 2.99 – 3.18 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.79 – 2.98 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.78 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At CCS, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
College for Creative Studies (CCS) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
CCS Profile
Name: College for Creative Studies (CCS)
City: Detroit
State: Michigan
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 48202
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from CCS Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at College for Creative Studies is USD: 61238. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at College for Creative Studies is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
28.26% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 53.34 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to CCS and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At College for Creative Studies, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist CCS as your choice in the form.
How much a CCS Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 44860. An average CCS graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
- Design and Applied Arts
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Graphic Communications
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Masters Degree Programs
- Design and Applied Arts
- Human Computer Interaction
Post-baccalaureate Certificate Programs
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About College for Creative Studies Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $44860 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $61238 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of College for Creative Studies is 92.76 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.19. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.89, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.89, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 2.89 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.79 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to College for Creative Studies if my GPA is below 2.79
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.19, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by College for Creative Studies.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.