College for Creative Studies: Is It Worth It?

Graduate earnings, costs, and ROI analysis with federal data

By Appffeine Research Team · Updated February 11, 2026

Overview

College for Creative Studies is located in Detroit, MI. This comprehensive ROI analysis uses federal IRS W-2 earnings data to help you understand what graduates from College for Creative Studies actually earn.

Data last updated: February 11, 2026

| Key Metric | Value | |------------|-------| | Median Graduate Earnings | $44,860 | | In-State Tuition | $51,355 | | Out-of-State Tuition | $51,355 | | Acceptance Rate | 92.8% | | Graduation Rate | 69.6% | | Student Population | 1,285 |

Graduate Earnings

According to federal data from IRS W-2 records, the median annual earnings for College for Creative Studies graduates is $44,860 measured 10 years after initial enrollment.

This earnings figure represents graduates who received federal financial aid and had W-2 earnings reported to the IRS.

How This Compares

Compare College for Creative Studies's graduate earnings to:

  • [Similar schools in MI](/schools/mi)
  • [Schools with similar admission rates](/compare)
  • [National averages by major](/majors)

Cost Breakdown

Understanding the true cost of attending College for Creative Studies:

| Cost Component | In-State | Out-of-State | |----------------|----------|--------------| | Tuition & Fees | $51,355 | $51,355 | | Room & Board | $11,040 | $11,040 | | 4-Year Total (Est.) | $249,580 | $249,580 |

Note: Actual costs may vary. Financial aid can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

ROI Analysis

To calculate your personal ROI:

  • Estimate your total cost after financial aid
  • Compare to median earnings of $44,860
  • Consider your specific major (earnings vary significantly)
  • Factor in opportunity costs of 4 years of study
[Calculate Your Personal ROI →](/tools/roi-calculator)

Top Majors at College for Creative Studies

The highest-earning majors at College for Creative Studies typically include:

  • Engineering and Computer Science programs
  • Business and Finance degrees
  • Healthcare and Nursing programs
[See earnings by major at College for Creative Studies →](/school/college-for-creative-studies/majors)

Similar Schools to Consider

Based on size, selectivity, and location, you might also consider:

  • Schools in MI with similar outcomes
  • Institutions with comparable admission rates
  • Universities with strong programs in your intended major
[Compare with similar schools →](/compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is College for Creative Studies worth the tuition?

With median graduate earnings of $44,860 and an out-of-state 4-year cost of approximately $249,580, the payback period depends on your financial aid package and chosen major.

What percentage of College for Creative Studies students graduate?

The graduation rate at College for Creative Studies is 69.6%, which is above the national average.

How competitive is admission to College for Creative Studies?

College for Creative Studies has an acceptance rate of 92.8%.

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This page uses data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard API. Earnings data reflects median annual earnings for students who received federal financial aid, measured 10 years after enrollment.