College for Creative Studies
College for Creative Studies — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is College for Creative Studies Worth It?
At a value score of 23/100, College for Creative Studies is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,860 — 17% below average — while paying $34,617/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 3.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 70% graduation rate means roughly 30% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With a 92% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $26,000 representing 58% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at College for Creative Studies has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How College for Creative Studies compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MI
Ranked #102 of 139 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #2 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #3 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #4 | Bay Path University | 49 | $14,271 | $55,383 |
| #5 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | 49 | $17,545 | $51,540 |
| #6 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #102 | College for Creative Studies | 23 | $34,617 | $44,860 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of College for Creative Studies's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in MI.
Best Programs at College for Creative Studies
The highest-earning program at College for Creative Studies is Design and Applied Arts at $39,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Graphic Communications at $20,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Design and Applied Arts graduate from College for Creative Studies earns $39,200, while a Graphic Communications graduate earns $20,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Design and Applied Arts graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Graphic Communications.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $34,617/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts | $39,200 | $39,200 | $27,000 |
| Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry | $23,900 | $23,900 | $24,125 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $21,400 | $21,400 | $27,000 |
| Graphic Communications | $20,600 | $20,600 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in MI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Detroit, MI
- Student Body
- 1,230 students
- Admission Rate
- 92%
- Graduation Rate
- 70%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $34,617
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,860
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000