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Central Michigan University vs College for Creative Studies

Central Michigan University is a public university in Mount Pleasant, MI, and College for Creative Studies is a private college in Detroit, MI. Central Michigan University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 90% of applicants against 92% at College for Creative Studies. Central Michigan University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,597 a year against $34,617 at College for Creative Studies. About 70% of students graduate at College for Creative Studies, compared with 60% at Central Michigan University. Ten years after enrolling, Central Michigan University alumni earn a median of about $55,874, against $44,860 for College for Creative Studies.

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public

College for Creative Studies

Detroit, MI · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Mount Pleasant, MI
Detroit, MI
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
10,035
1,230
Acceptance rate
90%
92%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.18–3.68
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1200
960–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
21–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,597
$34,617
Full cost / yr
$30,681
$66,014
In-state tuition
$14,760
$53,350
Out-of-state tuition
$14,760
$53,350
Application fee
$40
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,185
$30,267
$30k - $48k
$12,139
$33,152
$48k - $75k
$13,601
$33,647
$75k - $110k
$16,269
$33,667
Over $110k
$21,403
$38,580
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
70%
Freshman retention
75%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,567
$33,691
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,874
$44,860
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
30%
First-generation students
29%
23%
International students
3%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Central Michigan University or College for Creative Studies harder to get into?
Central Michigan University is harder to get into. It admits about 90% of applicants, compared with 92% at College for Creative Studies. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Central Michigan University or College for Creative Studies?
Central Michigan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,597 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $34,617 at College for Creative Studies. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Central Michigan University and College for Creative Studies?
Before aid, Central Michigan University costs about $30,681 a year and College for Creative Studies about $66,014. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Central Michigan University or College for Creative Studies?
Central Michigan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,185 there, against about $30,267 at College for Creative Studies. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Central Michigan University or College for Creative Studies?
Central Michigan University is the larger of the two, with about 10,035 undergraduates against 1,230 at College for Creative Studies.
Does Central Michigan University or College for Creative Studies have a better graduation rate?
College for Creative Studies has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 60% at Central Michigan University.
Do graduates of Central Michigan University or College for Creative Studies earn more?
Central Michigan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,874 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,860 for College for Creative Studies. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Central Michigan University and College for Creative Studies require SAT or ACT scores?
Central Michigan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. College for Creative Studies is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Central Michigan University and College for Creative Studies look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1200 at Central Michigan University and 960–1190 at College for Creative Studies. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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