Transfer
CCS recognizes the unique insight and experiences our transfer students bring to campus and to the classroom – in fact, approximately one-fourth of our undergraduate studies community at CCS got their start as a transfer student. We support our transfer students with generous and renewable scholarships that make attending a dream within your grasp.
Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll
2018-2026
Our unique majors and specializations will challenge and inspire you while providing the facilities, community and atmosphere to take your work in any direction you choose.
We have a variety of programs that support transfer students and provide students with the ideal transfer experience – facilitating a seamless transfer pathway, collaborative studios, custom mentoring, and the opportunity to help design your own curriculum. Whichever program you select, you will find plenty of additional paths for exploration – on campus and off.
Application Requirements
As a transfer student, we recognize you may have many priorities but not loads of free time. To help make this important step one that you can take quickly and confidently, we have made it as convenient as possible.
Fall Semester Start
December 1: Early Action Deadline for First-Years and Transfers, all majors
February 1: Regular Decision Deadline for First-Years and Transfers, all majors and final deadline for Concept Design.
April 1: Rolling Admissions Deadline
Fall Deposit Deadline: May 1, or as soon as you decide to attend CCS.
Winter Semester Start
November 1: Application Deadline
Winter Deposit Deadline
Pay your enrollment deposit as soon as you decide to attend CCS, or by November 30.
This is your first step – complete it now and then follow up with the other pieces as soon as you can.
We want to see your creative potential! For most majors, submit 5–12 pieces in any medium that represent your strongest work. We welcome students from many different creative backgrounds, so your portfolio doesn’t need to match your intended major. Show us what you enjoy creating and what you do best. Quality is more important than quantity.
Portfolios should be submitted on Slideroom (Note: there is a $10 fee). If it is not possible for you to upload your work, you may request an free, informal portfolio review.
We accept unofficial or official transcripts for application. Documents must include student’s first and last name, the name of the school/college.
- Email transcripts to [email protected]
or - Request official transcripts digitally through Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse.
International applicants can send official secondary transcript or the equivalent exam result via email as well.
International Students Information
Transfer Credit from International Universities or Colleges
If you’ve completed coursework outside the United States and wish to transfer credits, we strongly recommend you obtain a professional course-by-course evaluation of your academic records.
Please use recognized credential evaluation services World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), to ensure your coursework aligns with the U.S. education system.
International applicants whose primary and/or native language English must submit English language test scores.
International applicants whose primary and/or native language is not English must submit one of the following English language test scores:
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- Duolingo
- English Test
- SAT
- ACT
The test requirement may be waived for international applicants if the primary language of instruction at their secondary school/college is English.
Please contact Christopher Corporandy, International Admissions Counselor, at [email protected] with questions about submitting a test score.
Transfer Quick Facts
Transfer Students at CCS are those who have successfully earned *6 or more college-level credits following High School graduation (or an equivalent level of credentialing).*
Transfer Student Admission GPA Requirement:
– A college transcript with a CUM GPA of 2.0 or higher for 12 credits or more
– Transfer applicants who have completed fewer than 12 college credits must also submit a high school transcript for admission. CUM GPA for college must be 2.0+ and CUM GPA for high school must be 2.5+
Transfer Students at CCS are those who have successfully earned *6 or more college-level credits following High School graduation (or an equivalent level of credentialing).
*If your 6 credits are in progress, you may still apply as a Transfer Student but must also submit a high school transcript.
If this doesn’t apply to you or if you are seeking admission upon completion of your Early Middle College Program, check out our Undergraduate Admissions.
The choice you make on where to go from here is a big one, with many factors to consider. We encourage you to contact our Transfer Team for information about transfer credits and financial aid tailored to you. A good place to start is our Transfer Credit Resources page. This will give you all of the info on which credits will transfer and will help you to start the planning process.
Upon completion of application and admission to CCS, all students are considered for generous merit scholarships and may be eligible for additional scholarships. Once you have fully completed the application requirements above and have applied to CCS, we will be able to give you detail on what you are eligible to receive. Many of our students also qualify for additional gift aid (money that does not have to be repaid) after completing the FAFSA. If you have not yet filed your FAFSA, we encourage you to complete this step as early as possible once the application is available for the year you plan to start at CCS (NOTE: the FAFSA is made available in October). We will host financial aid presentations throughout the year so join us if you have questions on this process – and don’t forget to add our school code – 006771-to your FAFSA application.
Our transfer team is here to support you
CCS is the only college in Michigan to have been honored as a Phi Theta Kappa’s ‘Transfer Honor Roll’ recipient for eight consecutive years – signifying our transfer team’s commitment to helping you find the best path forward. Whether you’re completing your undergraduate journey (or starting a new one, the best first step is to get the conversation going with us. If you have specific questions, looking for resources to plan for the future, or just not sure where to get started?
Transfer Credit Resources
Credit by Examination College Credit Earned in High School Credit for Prior Learning Assessment of your Potential Undergraduate Credits Every student’s experience is unique. At…
Transfer Completion Degrees
Unlike our traditional four-year BFA pathways, which require immersive studio sequences from day one, these completion degree options build directly on your existing college credits.…
Consider Interdisciplinary Art + Design
The uniquely flexible nature of Interdisciplinary Art + Design makes it a great choice for transfer students, allowing for degree completion in as little as two years for students who have completed an eligible studio-based associate’s degree or equivalent.
Talk to an Admissions Counselor
Whatever stage you are at in your degree path, we can customize a transfer plan for you to follow. Let us help you make sure your time and money are well spent.
Experience CCS for Yourself
Visit us in the heart of Midtown Detroit. Our campus spans two sites, just one mile apart and connect by our free shuttle.
The College for Creative Studies admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Applying is as easy as 1-2-3
Complete your Application
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