Select Page

Estimating your Cost

It’s important to determine your actual cost vs. making a decision based on the sticker price alone. Graduate scholarships and grants helped reduce tuition costs in 2024/25 by 50% on average.

Graduate applicants are automatically considered for CCS Scholarships when they are admitted to the College. We base scholarship awards on the review of your program specific requirements, academic record and achievement, interview and potential for success in your Graduate Studies program. Applicants receive notification of the CCS Graduate Studies Scholarship in their acceptance letters and enrolled students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in order to continue receiving their scholarship funding.

All US students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to review your comprehensive financial aid offer from CCS before assuming your actual out-of-pocket cost. CCS may offer additional grant funds to students if their FAFSA indicates financial need, and Michigan students may be eligible for resident-specific state-funded grants, so make sure you file! More information about FAFSA.

A

Sticker Price—Full Cost Before Aid

The sticker price is the total cost of tuition before
any financial aid is applied. This includes full-time graduate tuition, plus additional expenses.

-B

Subtract any scholarships, loans, grants
or additional financial assistance

The average scholarship/grant package awarded to new MA/MFA graduate students for Fall 2025 was $28,000.

 

=C

Net Cost—What you actually pay

The net cost is the amount a student actually pays after subtracting scholarships and other financial aid. Based on the average total scholarships awarded for Fall 2025, students paid $28,460 in tuition on average.

 

Tools to Help you Understand Your Cost

The CCS financial aid staff is here to work with you early and often to resolve your financial concerns so you can take full advantage of everything CCS has to offer.

2025/26 Tuition and Fees

CCS is committed to helping students finance their education by offering competitive financial aid packages and scholarship opportunities.

US students and families filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are encouraged to review your comprehensive financial aid offer from CCS before assuming your actual out of pocket cost. More information about FAFSA. All admitted students are automatically reviewed for merit-based scholarships. Scholarship or award offers are delivered with admission decision letters.

MA/MFA Tuition Cost


Tuition

$1,882 /credit hour


$28,230 /semester (12-18 credits)


$56,460 /academic year (Fall and Winter)


Fees

$100 /semester – Registration Fee


$590 /semester – Resource Fee


$20 per year – Accident Insurance


$175 (one-time fee) – Graduation Fee


MPS Tuition Cost

Tuition

$997 /credit hour


$1,994 /semester (12-18 credits)


$19,940 /academic year (Fall and Winter)


Fees

$100 /semester – Registration Fee


$590 /semester – Resource Fee


$175 (one-time fee) – Graduation Fee


Total Program Cost

Year 1: Academic Year 2025-26 Charges 

Semester 1 (Fall 2025): $7,976


Semester 2 (Winter 2026): $7,976


Semester 3 (Summer 2026): $3,988


Total Cost (Year 1): $19,940

Year 2: Academic Year 2026-27 Charges

Semester 4 (Fall 2026): $6,976


Semester 5 (Winter 2026): $2,991


Total Cost (Year 2): $9,967

Total Program Cost: $29,907.00

2025/2026 Housing & Meal Plans

CCS offers on-campus housing in the Taubman Center and Art Centre Building, with costs varying by room type. Dining plans provide meal options at campus locations.

Housing

On-Campus housing options are available to full-time students. CCS offers loft-style units (Taubman Center) and apartment-style units (Art Centre Building).

*Taubman Center housing requires students to have a meal plan

Visit Campus Housing for more information

$4,070-$4,765

per semester

Campus Dining

Meal plans are required for Taubman residents and are optional for ACB residents. The contract is for the academic school year and cannot be canceled once students move in.

Visit Campus Housing for more information

$2,900 – $4,350

per academic year

Cost of Attendance

MA/MFA Graduate Students

MA and MFA Programs

The average scholarship projected for 2024–2025 incoming students is $28,000*. In addition, U.S. students who file the FAFSA, may qualify for Graduate PLUS loans. The Average Net Cost is displayed in the following tables.

GRADUATE STUDENTS: With Parent

Expense Cost (USD)
Tuition 56,460.00
Fees 1,400.00
 Resource Fee 1,180.00
 Registration Fee 200.00
 Accident Insurance 20.00
Housing 4,059.00
Food 5,610.00
Transportation 3,978.00
Books / Course Materials /
Supplies / Equipment
2,774.00
Personal 3,944.00
Loan Fees 216.00
Tuition Insurance 0
Total Cost of Attendance 78,441.00

GRADUATE STUDENTS: On Campus

Expense Cost (USD)
Tuition 56,460.00
Fees 1,400.00
 Resource Fee 1,180.00
 Registration Fee 200.00
 Accident Insurance 20.00
Housing 8,989.00
Food 7,154.00
Transportation 1,700.00
Books / Course Materials /
Supplies / Equipment
2,774.00
Personal 5,134.00
Loan Fees 216.00
Tuition Insurance 0
Total Cost of Attendance 83,827.00

GRADUATE STUDENTS: Off Campus

Expense Cost (USD)
Tuition 56,460.00
Fees 1,400.00
 Resource Fee 1,180.00
 Registration Fee 200.00
 Accident Insurance 20.00
Housing 9,486.00
Food 4,386.00
Transportation 2,210.00
Books / Course Materials /
Supplies / Equipment
2,774.00
Personal 2,720.00
Loan Fees 216.00
Tuition Insurance 0
Total Cost of Attendance 79,652.00

Federal Graduate PLUS loans, student employment, and personal funds can be used to cover the Average Net Direct/Indirect Cost.

NOTE: Per credit tuition is $1,809 for graduates. The graduate tuition of $54,270 is based on full-time status (12 to 18 credits per semester) for Fall & Winter of the 2024-2025 academic year (two semesters/nine months).

MPS Graduate Students

MPS Online Program Only

Full-Time Enrolled (12-18 Credits)

2025-2026 Fall/Winter Academic Year

GRADUATE STUDENTS: With Parent

Expense Cost (USD)
Tuition 15,952.00
Fees 0.00
 Resource Fee 0.00
 Registration Fee 0.00
 Accident Insurance 0.00
Housing 4,059.00
Food 5,610.00
Transportation 3,978.00
Books / Course Materials /
Supplies / Equipment
2,500.00
Personal 3,944.00
Loan Fees 118.00
Tuition Insurance 0.00
Total Cost of Attendance 36,161.00

GRADUATE STUDENTS: On Campus

Expense Cost (USD)
Tuition 15,952.00
Fees 0.00
 Resource Fee 0.00
 Registration Fee 0.00
 Accident Insurance 0.00
Housing 8,989.00
Food 7,154.00
Transportation 1,700.00
Books / Course Materials /
Supplies / Equipment
2,500.00
Personal 5,134.00
Loan Fees 118.00
Tuition Insurance 0.00
Total Cost of Attendance 41,547.00

GRADUATE STUDENTS: Off Campus

Expense Cost (USD)
Tuition 15,952.00
Fees 0.00
 Resource Fee 0.00
 Registration Fee 0.00
 Accident Insurance 0.00
Housing 9,486.00
Food 4,386.00
Transportation 2,210.00
Books / Course Materials /
Supplies / Equipment
2,500.00
Personal 2,720.00
Loan Fees 118.00
Tuition Insurance 0
Total Cost of Attendance 37,372.00

MPS Total Program Cost

Year 1: Academic Year 2025-26 Charges

Semester 1 (Fall 2025): $7,976

Semester 2 (Winter 2026): $7,976

Semester 3 (Summer 2026): $3,988

Total Cost (Year 1): $19,940

Year 2: Academic Year 2026-27 Charges

Semester 4 (Fall 2026): $6,976

Semester 5 (Winter 2026): $2,991

Total Cost (Year 2): $9,967

Total Program Cost: $29,907.00

International Graduate Students

MA and MFA Programs

The average scholarship projected for 2023 – 2024 incoming students is $29,500.* The Average Net Cost is displayed in the following tables.

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE STUDENTS: With Parent

Expense Cost (USD)
Tuition 56,460.00
Fees 1,400.00
 Resource Fee 1,180.00
 Registration Fee 200.00
 Accident Insurance 20.00
Housing 4,059.00
Food 5,610.00
Transportation 3,978.00
Books / Course Materials /
Supplies / Equipment
2,774.00
Personal 3,944.00
Personal Health Insurance 1,244.00
Orientation 200.00
Loan Fees 0
Tuition Insurance 0
Total Cost of Attendance 79,669.00

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE STUDENTS: On Campus

Expense Cost (USD)
Tuition 56,460.00
Fees 1,400.00
 Resource Fee 1,180.00
 Registration Fee 200.00
 Accident Insurance 20.00
Housing 8,989.00
Food 7,154.00
Transportation 1,700.00
Books / Course Materials /
Supplies / Equipment
2,774.00
Personal 5,134.00
Personal Health Insurance 1,244.00
Orientation 200.00
Loan Fees 0
Tuition Insurance 0
Total Cost of Attendance 85,055.00

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE STUDENTS: Off Campus

Expense Cost (USD)
Tuition 56,460.00
Fees 1,400.00
 Resource Fee 1,180.00
 Registration Fee 200.00
 Accident Insurance 20.00
Housing 9,486.00
Food 4,386.00
Transportation 2,210.00
Books / Course Materials /
Supplies / Equipment
2,774.00
Personal 2,720.00
Personal Health Insurance 1,244.00
Orientation 200.00
Loan Fees 0
Tuition Insurance 0
Total Cost of Attendance 80,880.00

 

Per credit tuition is $1,809 for graduates. The graduate tuition of $54,270 is based on full-time status (12 to 18 credits per semester for Fall & Winter of the 2024-2025 academic year (two semesters/nine months).

*Amount includes average CCS Scholarship and International Student Grant.

Please also review the Student Visa process and financial feasibility documents required for international students. Private student loans, parent loans, work study, and personal funds can be used to cover the Average Net Direct/Indirect Cost.

MPS Online Program Only

Full-Time Enrolled (12-18 Credits)

2025-2026 Fall/Winter Academic Year

GRADUATE STUDENTS: With Parent

Expense Cost (USD)
Tuition 15,952.00
Fees 0.00
 Resource Fee 0.00
 Registration Fee 0.00
 Accident Insurance 0.00
Housing 4,059.00
Food 5,610.00
Transportation 3,978.00
Books / Course Materials /
Supplies / Equipment
2,500.00
Personal 3,944.00
Loan Fees 118.00
Tuition Insurance 0.00
Total Cost of Attendance 36,161.00

GRADUATE STUDENTS: On Campus

Expense Cost (USD)
Tuition 15,952.00
Fees 0.00
 Resource Fee 0.00
 Registration Fee 0.00
 Accident Insurance 0.00
Housing 8,989.00
Food 7,154.00
Transportation 1,700.00
Books / Course Materials /
Supplies / Equipment
2,500.00
Personal 5,134.00
Loan Fees 118.00
Tuition Insurance 0.00
Total Cost of Attendance 41,547.00

GRADUATE STUDENTS: Off Campus

Expense Cost (USD)
Tuition 15,952.00
Fees 0.00
 Resource Fee 0.00
 Registration Fee 0.00
 Accident Insurance 0.00
Housing 9,486.00
Food 4,386.00
Transportation 2,210.00
Books / Course Materials /
Supplies / Equipment
2,500.00
Personal 2,720.00
Loan Fees 118.00
Tuition Insurance 0
Total Cost of Attendance 37,372.00

MPS Total Program Cost

Year 1: Academic Year 2025-26 Charges

Semester 1 (Fall 2025): $7,976

Semester 2 (Winter 2026): $7,976

Semester 3 (Summer 2026): $3,988

Total Cost (Year 1): $19,940

Year 2: Academic Year 2026-27 Charges

Semester 4 (Fall 2026): $6,976

Semester 5 (Winter 2026): $2,991

Total Cost (Year 2): $9,967

Total Program Cost: $29,907.00
Net Price Calculator

CCS is pleased to offer generous merit scholarships and need-based financial aid to help you take full advantage of everything the College has to offer. To help you get an idea of what your college expenses will be, use the calculator 
below. Please note that the estimates provided by the calculator only apply to new, full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students.

Launch The Net Price Calculator
Schedule a no-pressure Portfolio Review

Tuition Payment Options

Your college years will be some of the most memorable of your life and CCS doesn’t want worrying about paying for college to be one of those memories. The CCS financial aid staff is here to work with you early and often to resolve your financial concerns so you can take full advantage of everything CCS has to offer.

1. Pay in Full
You may pay tuition and fees in full at the time of registration. Students may pay tuition and fees online, by mail or at the Cashier’s Office.

Pay Using a US Bank or Credit Card
International Payments

2. Deferred Payments
You may choose to defer payment of tuition and fees. You must pay a minimum of $100 at the time of registration. And then all tuition and fees must be paid in full by August 1 for the Fall semester and December 14 for the Winter semester.

3. Monthly Payment Plan
You may elect to use the ACI Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plan. The College for Creative Studies accepts tuition payments from US banks through ACI. ACI offers monthly interest-free payment plans as a way to pay the remainder of your tuition and fees. There is a $65 per semester enrollment fee for this option.

Additional Enrollment Information

Contact

Office of Financial Aid
T: 313.664.7495
F: 313.664.7499

Director of Financial Aid
Mathew Catanese
T: 313.664.7497

Financial Aid Counselor – Students A-K
Jami Johnson
T: 313.664.7496

Financial Aid Counselor – Students L-Z
Allison Molesworth
T: 313.664.7468

College for Creative Studies
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.