Detroit, MI · Private University
Is College for Creative Studies Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$44,860
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$51,355
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$51,355
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$205,420
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
0.87x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
20.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
69.6%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$26,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$33,342
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
College for Creative Studies graduates earn $140 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at College for Creative Studies ranked by graduate earnings
224 graduates
79 graduates
19 graduates
21 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at College for Creative Studies
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied ArtsBest ROI | $55,614 | 1.1x |
| Graphic Communications | $40,979 | 0.8x |
| Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry | $34,971 | 0.7x |
| Film/Video and Photographic ArtsLowest | $33,178 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
College for Creative Studies carries higher costs relative to graduate earnings, warranting careful consideration. Graduates earn $44,860 10 years after starting, $140 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 20.8 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.