Scholarships
CCS offers a variety of scholarships to support incoming students. Below is a structured overview of these opportunities, including descriptions, eligibility criteria and application processes. Some scholarship opportunities require submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is recommended that everyone files the FAFSA.
Scholarships
Applicants to CCS are automatically considered for CCS Scholarships once they complete their admissions requirements. Awards are based wholly on review of your application and can vary from student to student during the admission process. No additional scholarship forms are required, unless specified. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to continue receiving these scholarships. The College for Creative Studies (CCS) offers a variety of scholarships to support incoming students. Below is a structured overview of these opportunities, including descriptions, eligibility criteria and application processes. Some scholarship opportunities require submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is recommended that everyone files the FAFSA.
Awards for high school seniors who receive National Scholastic Awards in their senior year and are accepted to CCS for the upcoming Fall semester.
Eligibility: National Gold Medal recipients
Award Details: National Gold Medalists receive $8,000, dispersed as $2,000 per year for full-time enrollment.
Eligibility: SE MI and Thumb Region Gold Medal recipients
Award Details: SE MI and Thumb Region Gold Medalists receive $4,000, dispersed as $1,000 per year for full-time enrollment.
Application Process: No separate application required; awards are based on the organization’s provided listings.
Scholarship for students actively involved in a FIRST Robotics team during their senior year of high school.
Eligibility: Active participation in a FIRST Robotics team; submission of the CCS FIRST Robotics Scholarship application by February 1; acceptance to CCS by March 1.
Award Details: $8,000, dispersed as $2,000 per year for full-time enrollment.
Application Process: Submit the CCS FIRST Robotics Scholarship application by February 1 and gain acceptance to CCS by March 1.
Scholarships for high school seniors who are members of the National Art Honor Society.
Eligibility: NAHS membership; submission of NAHS membership certificate.
Award Details: $4,000, dispersed as $1,000 per year for full-time enrollment.
Application Process: Submit NAHS membership certificate to your CCS Admissions Counselor upon acceptance.
Scholarship for admitted transfer students enrolled as a student in a college or community college who are members of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK).
Eligibility: PTK membership.
Award Details: $1,000 per year, renewable for each full-time enrolled year
Application Process: No separate application required; awards are based on the admitted Transfer student’s PTK eligibility.
CCS is grateful to the donors who have supported this extensive list of named and endowed scholarships. Applicants to CCS are automatically considered for the scholarships on this list.
We’re so confident that our Precollege Summer Experience students are a great fit for CCS that we’ve created a special undergraduate scholarship just for you. If you successfully complete the program with a grade of C or better, you’ll be eligible for a $4,000 PCSE to CCS Scholarship when you enroll full-time after you graduate high school.
To be eligible for the scholarship, you must:
Complete the Precollege Summer Experience (PCSE) with a grade of C or better.
Be admitted to CCS and enroll full-time in the fall immediately following your high school graduation.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress each year you receive the award.
The $4,000 scholarship will be awarded in $1,000 increments for up to four years.
Please note that the award requires full-time enrollment and will not be prorated for part-time students. The full scholarship amount must be used within six years of your initial start term at CCS.
Students may be considered for a $8,000 undergraduate scholarship ($2,000 per year for four years) in recognition of participating in the ArtConnectED Illinois regional exhibition. This would be in addition to any other CCS scholarships you may receive.
Eligibility: ArtConnectED membership; submission of work in regional exhibition. For more eligibility details, visit: https://www.artconnected.org/info-for-students
Award Details: For award details, visit: https://www.artconnected.org/info-for-students
Scholarships for Ohio high school top graduates.
Eligibility: For eligibility details, visit: https://highered.ohio.gov/educators/financial-aid/sgs/gms/gms
Award Details: For award details, visit: https://highered.ohio.gov/educators/financial-aid/sgs/gms/gms
Scholarships for young visual, literary or performing artists ages 15-18.
Eligibility: Be a YoungArts award recipient.
Award Details: For award details, visit: For award details, visit: https://youngarts.org/apply/
Scholarships for participants of the Michigan Industrial & Technology Education Society Annual Competition.
Eligibility: Be a MITES Annual Competition recipient.
Award Details: For award details, visit https://www.mites.cc/competition-convention
Outside Scholarships
CCS will accept any outside scholarships students obtain. CCS does not reduce institutional aid when additional scholarships are received unless all tuition and fees are paid by the additional scholarship. In rare cases, a student may lose need-based aid eligibility if they exceed their Demonstrated Need calculation or may have loan funds reduced if they exceed their Cost of Attendance calculation (contact Financial Aid office for more information).
- Student or parent employer (tuition reimbursement, scholarship programs, and incentive programs)
- Local community organizations (Lions, Rotary, or Kiwanis clubs, churches, sports groups, womens/mens groups, arts organizations)
- National Foundations (breast cancer, Alzehimers, Multiple Sclerosis awareness, etc.)
- Big box stores/retailers (Meijer, Walmart, Target, Lowes)
- Fast food chains (McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell)
- Local city, townships and state municipals
https://collegeconsensus.com/scholarships/art-design-scholarships
https://salliemae.com/college-planning/tools/scholarship-search
https://fastweb.com/college-scholarships
https://unigo.com/scholarships/by-state/michigan-scholarships
https://michigan.gov/mistudentaid
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
https://rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships
https://scholarships.com/
https://petersons.com/search/scholarships
https://niche.com/colleges/scholarships/?major=fine-arts
When seeking outside scholarships or resources be mindful of the information you provide; avoid ones that indicate:
- Application fees
- 100% Guarantees
- Everybody is eligible
- Excessive request for personal information (social security numbers, banking information, phone number, etc.)
- Typing or spelling errors
- For more information on scholarship scams, visit finaid.org
The search engines, organizations, and companies listed above are not affiliated with the College for Creative Studies; this information is provided as a convenience for prospective and current students. These resources are a fraction of the opportunities that exist.
State of Michigan Grants & Scholarships
Students who are not residents of Michigan are encouraged to review their home state’s grant and scholarship office website to see if they may be eligible for state aid to attend the College for Creative Studies.
The Children of Veterans Tuition Grant provides undergraduate tuition assistance to students older than 16 and less than 26 years of age who are the natural or adopted child of a Michigan veteran. The veteran must have died or become totally and permanently disabled as a result of military service. Awards are up to $2,800 annually.
For full eligibility requirements, please visit: https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/programs
The Fostering Futures Scholarship (FFS) provides scholarships to students who have experienced foster care in Michigan on or after age 13. Students must also demonstrate financial need to qualify.
The Michigan Department of Education awards tuition grants and scholarships annually (up to $5,5.00 per academic year) to Michigan residents who meet the eligibility requirements. Learn more and view requirements here.
The Michigan Competitive Scholarship is available to undergraduate students pursuing their first degree and is based on both financial need and merit. To be considered, a student must take the SAT (Class of 2017 and beyond) prior to entering college and achieve a qualifying score of at least 1200.
Michigan Competitive Scholarship is no longer available to students who have graduated high school (or its equivalent) in 2023 or greater.
Michigan Competitive Scholarship will permanently end September 30, 2029.
The MI Future Educator Fellowship offers $10,000 scholarship to up to 2,500 future educators every year who are admitted and enrolled in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) approved by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).
The MI Future Educator Stipend provides $9,600 to our future educators who are participating in their required student teaching semester.
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a Federal program designed to provide early intervention services and programs to students in middle school and high school. MI GEAR UP Scholarship targets low-income students by providing them with support services to increase their opportunity to succeed in postsecondary education.
A student becomes eligible for TIP Phase II after earning 56 transferable semester credits (84 transferable term credits), a certificate (minimum of one year), or an associate degree. Phase II must be completed within 30 months of completion of Phase I requirements. Tip Phase II awards are up to $1,000 annually for 2 years.
For full eligibility requirements, please visit: https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/programs
The College for Creative Studies, recognizes and appreciates the work of Michigan’s frontline workers and the impact of the pandemic on their lives and the lives of their families. In recognition and gratitude for your efforts during Michigan’s COVID-19 shutdown and beyond- CCS is pleased to announce the ‘Frontliners Forge Ahead Award’
New Transfer students who have not previously enrolled in a credit-bearing program at CCS, and who have been approved for the Futures for Frontliners program will be eligible to receive an additional $4,000 per year*. This is in addition to our generous merit scholarships and any additional financial aid you may qualify for.
To receive the Frontliners Create Change Award, interested students must:
- Complete our Free Online Application
- Be admitted to an undergraduate degree program (see admissions requirements for details)
- Have completed (or plan to complete) an associate’s degree from one of the 28 Michigan Community Colleges participating in the Futures for Frontliners program
- Apply and received admission to CCS for any semester starting Winter 2022 – Fall 2024 (Fall and Winter starts terms available)
- Submit Enrollment Deposit no later than June 1 or November 1
- Enroll in Fall 2024 semester courses no later than August 1, 2024
- Submit documentation of your participation in the State of Michigan Futures for Frontliners program to the CCS Admissions office with your enrollment deposit and prior to enrolling in your first semester.
Provide Verification of your Frontliner Status by following A or B:
- Provide a copy of your Futures for Frontliners acceptance email AND one of the following:
- A screenshot of your MI Students Scholarships and Grants (MiSSG) Student Portal showing your Future for Frontliner status or;
- A copy of a certificate of completion from the state-approved training provider. (Approved programs are listed on Michigan Training Connect.)
- Email a Request of Status Confirmation:
Email [email protected] and include [email protected] as a carbon copy recipient Your email needs to state that you are authorizing the Michigan Department of Workforce Development to verify your participation in the Futures for Frontliners program. A Workforce Development staffer can then “Reply All” with a confirmation.
*Award amount is based on full time enrollment (minimum 12 credit hours). Students attending part time (6 to 9 credit hours) will receive a prorated award. Frontliners are eligible for this award each year they are enrolled.
State Grant Assistance for Out-of-State Students
Students from states other than Michigan should contact their home state’s financial aid agency to determine whether state grant or scholarship funds may be used at institutions outside their home state. A directory of state higher education agencies is available through the U.S. Department of Education at https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.
Promise Program Scholarships
The College for Creative Studies (CCS) offers a variety of additional scholarships beyond institutional, state and federal funding to support incoming students. Below is a structured overview of these opportunities, including descriptions, eligibility criteria and application processes.
The Bearcat Advantage provides a tuition-free path to a bachelor’s degree at CCS for eligible Battle Creek Public School students and city residents through the Michigan College Alliance (MCA). Eligibility and funding details, as well as the application, are available on the Bearcat Advantage website. CCS is proud to be an MCA partner institution.
The Detroit Promise is a last-dollar scholarship ensuring eligible Detroit residents have a tuition-free path to a bachelor’s degree at CCS. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of 10 available each fall. Eligibility details and the application are available through the Detroit Promise website. CCS is proud to be a Detroit Promise partner institution.
The Kalamazoo Promise provides a tuition-free path to a bachelor’s degree at CCS for eligible Kalamazoo Public School students and city residents through the Michigan College Alliance (MCA). Eligibility and funding details, as well as the application, are available on the Kalamazoo Promise website. CCS is proud to be an MCA partner institution.
Additional Scholarships & Promise Programs
The College for Creative Studies (CCS) offers a variety of additional scholarships beyond institutional, state and federal funding to support incoming students. Below is a structured overview of these opportunities, including descriptions, eligibility criteria and application processes.
National Scholastic Award Scholarship
Awards for high school seniors who receive National Scholastic Awards in their senior year and are accepted to CCS for the upcoming Fall semester.
Eligibility: Recipients of National Gold or Silver Medals.
Award Details: National Gold Medalists receive $8,000, dispersed as $2,000 per year for full-time enrollment. National Silver Medalists receive $4,000, dispersed as $1,000 per year.
Application Process: No separate application required; awards are based on the organization’s provided listings.
Michigan Congressional Artist Scholarship – Debbie Dingell
Scholarships for senior Michigan Congressional Artist-students who are newly admitted to CCS for the upcoming fall semester.
Eligibility: Recipients identified through the Michigan Congressional Art Competition.
Award Details: $4,000, dispersed as $1,000 per year for full-time enrollment.
Application Process: No separate application required; awards are based on the organization’s provided listings.
Transfer Achievement Award
Scholarship for admitted transfer students enrolled as a student in a college or community college who are members of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK).
Eligibility: PTK membership.
Award Details: $1,000 per year, renewable for each full-time enrolled year
Application Process: No separate application required; awards are based on the admitted Transfer student’s PTK eligibility.
YoungArts Scholarship
Scholarships for high school seniors who win a YoungArts Award and are accepted to CCS for the upcoming Fall semester.
Eligibility: YoungArts Award recipients.
Award Details: $8,000, dispersed as $2,000 per year for full-time enrollment.
Application Process: No separate application required; awards are based on the organization’s provided listings.
FIRST Scholarship
Scholarship for students actively involved in a FIRST Robotics team during their senior year of high school.
Eligibility: Active participation in a FIRST Robotics team; submission of the CCS FIRST Scholarship application by February 1; acceptance to CCS by March 1.
Award Details: $8,000, dispersed as $2,000 per year for full-time enrollment.
Application Process: Submit the CCS FIRST Scholarship application by February 1 and gain acceptance to CCS by March 1.
National Art Honor Society (NAHS) Scholarship
Scholarships for high school seniors who are members of the National Art Honor Society.
Eligibility: NAHS membership; submission of NAHS membership certificate.
Award Details: $4,000, dispersed as $1,000 per year for full-time enrollment.
Application Process: Submit NAHS membership certificate to your CCS Admissions Counselor upon acceptance.
A designated Admissions Counselor or representative will review and select recipients for the scholarships listed below.
Art Connected Scholarship (Illinois High School Art Exhibition/IHSAE)
Scholarships for students selected for the Art Connected exhibition in their senior year and accepted to CCS for the upcoming Fall semester.
Eligibility: Selection for the Art Connected exhibition; acceptance to CCS.
Award Details: $8,000, dispersed as $2,000 per year for full-time enrollment.
Application Process: Selection based on exhibited work; no separate application required.
Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC) High School Competition Scholarship
Scholarships for senior exhibiting BBAC high school artists who are newly admitted to CCS for the upcoming Fall semester.
Eligibility: Participation in BBAC high school competition; acceptance to CCS.
Award Details: $4,000, dispersed as $1,000 per year for full-time enrollment.
Application Process: Selection based on exhibited work; no separate application required.
Detroit Public Schools Student Exhibition Scholarship
Scholarships for exhibiting artist-students from Detroit Public Schools who are accepted to CCS for the upcoming Fall semester.
Eligibility: Participation in Detroit Public Schools Student Exhibition; acceptance to CCS.
Award Details: $8,000, dispersed as $2,000 per year for full-time enrollment.
Application Process: Selection based on exhibited work; no separate application required.
Detroit FilmTheater Scholarship
Scholarships for senior exhibiting high school artists associated with the Detroit FilmTheater who are newly admitted to CCS for the upcoming Fall semester.
Eligibility: Participation in Detroit FilmTheater exhibitions; acceptance to CCS.
Award Details: $4,000, dispersed as $1,000 per year for full-time enrollment.
Application Process: Selection based on exhibited work; no separate application required.
Ohio Governor’s Award Scholarship
Scholarships for Ohio Governor’s Award-winning students in their senior year of high school who are accepted to CCS for the upcoming Fall semester.
Eligibility: Recipients of the Ohio Governor’s Award; acceptance to CCS.
Award Details: $8,000, dispersed as $2,000 per year for full-time enrollment.
Application Process: Selection based on exhibited work; no separate application required.
Tuition Rewards® Program at CCS
To help make a high-quality college education financially accessible to more families, the College for Creative Studies participates in the Tuition Rewards® enrollment consortium sponsored by SAGE Scholars. The program allows families who are saving for college by investing or making deposits with participating 529 Plans, banks, credit unions and other institutions/employers to earn “points” (similar to frequent flyer mileage points) that can be redeemed for guaranteed minimum scholarships to CCS of $13,515. If a CCS Merit Scholarship exceeds the minimum scholarship, the higher award will be recognized and applied to the student’s account. The scholarships are spread evenly over four undergraduate years, starting with the freshman year. The Tuition Rewards program is coordinated nationally by an independent organization, Savings And Growth for Education (SAGE). One point has a value of one dollar. Families participating in Tuition Rewards need to submit the Student’s rewards statement to CCS at the time of application for admission. The “sponsor” must complete this step by logging onto the “Account Statement” page at tuitionrewards.com and forwarding the rewards statement to CCS. Statements submitted after CCS has prepared a financial aid package for the student may invalidate use of Tuition Rewards.
Eligibility & Disbursement
Scholarship Eligibility & Disbursement
CCS scholarships and grants may have additional eligibility and disbursement requirements. Most scholarships require students to maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, and awards will be prorated for part-time enrollment. For full details on scholarship eligibility and awarding, please review the CCS Scholarship Policy. For questions about a scholarship you have been awarded, contact:
Office of Financial Aid
T: 313.664.7495
[email protected]
Office of Admissions
T: 313.664.7425
[email protected]
Promise Scholarship Requirements & Contact Information
Promise Scholarships have specific eligibility and disbursement requirements regulated by each individual program, not CCS. Please refer to the provided links for details on application procedures, eligibility rules, and enrollment requirements. For questions about a Promise Scholarship you have been awarded, contact:
Office of Financial Aid
T: 313.664.7495
[email protected]
Office of Admissions
T: 313.664.7425
[email protected]