College for Creative Studies
Reviews

Apply for Scholarships Outside of CCS

100% of the student body have some sort of financial aid or scholarship awarded to them. CCS offers a full ride scholarship called the Award of Excellence (applying for is pretty easy, talk to your admissions counselor) that one student from each department receives. There are several scholarships and grants that CCS offers, but it's not nearly enough when you factor everything in-supplies, printing, room and board, food, transportation and or course tuition. It probably costs almost $40,000 a year when everything is added together, and I have to take out half that amount each year for tuition when all my scholarships, grants, government loans, etc have been factored in. It's an art and design school, so supplies and printing are going to make it super expensive, make sure to take out extra loan for that (there are art supply stores near CCS, but sometimes it's more convenient to use the school store, no matter how overpriced).

The Financial Aid office is always ready to help, with information on more scholarships and grants to apply for. When there are questions about your personal financial aid though, it can get difficult because they sometimes leave out information and get back to you and a not so timely manner (so constant contact will get you help).

Departments do offer scholarships offered only in their department, some offering more than others.

Dry Campus

CCS has been a dry campus for quite a while now, but there have been dorm rooms that have snuck in alcohol (pretty sure they know who is drinking on campus, but so long as they don't hear or know all the details, there is no punishment). The RA's are pretty lax-they give warnings and will take action if necessary.

CCS has two campuses-The Taubman Center (TC) and the Ford Campus. The TC holds dorm rooms and design majors, while the Ford Campus holds fine arts majors and dorm rooms along with admission, financial aid, academic and advising offices, etc. Security is really, really tight on the TC-you can't get in the building without an ID; when the building is closed, you must not only have your ID but sign in at the Security Office; only the 24 Hour Computer Lab is accessible when the building is closed, and rarely does security let anyone into any other part of the building (unless you're a resident, then you can go to your dorm). You must have your ID in order to get onto the elevator and select a floor other than the main floor if you're by yourself. If you are seen without an ID, you will be asked to leave.

This is the exact opposite on the Ford campus, except for the 24 Hour Computer Lab there-you must have an ID and visit the Security Office in order to use it after hours.

Parking garage is pretty secure; you will be ticketed if you do not have a parking pass, or the correct one for overnight stays. There are two different types of parking passes-resident and commuters. Only resident parking passes allow students to stay over night/after building hours-if the commuter is staying over night, they must notify security when they check in at the Security Office or when security does their rounds around 2AM to sign people in who were already in the 24 Hour Computer Lab before the building closed.

Guests can stay up to three nights without roommate permission, beyond that all roommates must email Residence Head saying it is okay with them to stay the extra time. Guests must have either a state ID or drivers' license, which is taken when entering the dorm. The Guest is given a guest pass that color corresponds with the date/day it was given in return for their ID. If the guest is under 18, a permission slip must be filled out and signed by parental guardians in order for the person to stay. Guests with cars must also get a guest parking pass that is free of charge with the dates the car is allowed to be there (contains vehicle information). Cars without a pass will be ticketed.

Tough, but Worth It

Professors at College for Creative Studies (CCS) have worked in the field/industry that they are teaching, or are working while teaching; so you get real world and classroom experience, which is something a lot of colleges don't offer. The professors are tough, along with the curriculum, and expectations are high but that's because they, along with the person who puts together the curriculum (which is the department head), know what the industry requires. Professors there have also been known to offer students internships, or help connect them with someone they might not have been able to connect with without their professor.

Seeing as CCS is an art and design school, the curriculum focuses on studio classes. Liberal arts classes are spread out throughout the student's time in college, so that they can dive right into their major starting their freshmen year, something a lot of colleges, mainly liberal arts colleges, do not allow. The liberal arts classes focus on art and design, or art and design are usually maneuvered into the discussion. Many of the liberal arts professors teach at liberal arts and community colleges while teaching at CCS, and hold the same level of expectation for CCS students as they do for nonCCS students. Students also have the ability to take classes outside their major, even if they do not have a minor. Each department also requires students take electives offered within their department that aren't required in the curriculum (ie Illustration majors can take Children's Book Illustration).

Some departments have specific focuses: Advertising-Art Direction and Copywriting; Entertainment Arts-Live Action, 2-D Animation, 3-D Animation, etc; Transportation Design-Automotive and Transportation (boats, air crafts, etc; Crafts: Glass, Jewelry, Metal, Ceramics). Each focus follows its own curriculum.

Registering for classes is fairly easy, finding the requirements for graduation can be a little difficult to find if you don't have the sheet saved someplace. Scheduling an appointment with your academic advisor can get difficult, especially if you wait too close to registration to do so. A couple weeks before registration, advisors send ALL students the list of classes that they are to take the following semester(s). Getting into a class that you do not have all the prerequisites is simple-talk to your advisor or someone in the office, go to your department head/administrator, and if they fill out the sheet okaying it, you go back to your advisor; if not, it stops there (sometimes this can be avoided by your advisor just calling and talking to either the department head or administrator).

All senior level students register on one day, juniors a week later, sophomores a week later and then freshmen a week later. Class status is determined by the amount of credits earned including credits taken that semester (ie already have 42 credits, taking a semester of 15 credits, total credits to determine status=58). All registration takes place online for the exception of registering with your advisor. It is HIGHLY encouraged to register the moment registration for your class level to register because classes fill up quickly. Switching and dropping classes are pretty easy, but it's best to do it in the beginning of the semester because you only get a certain percentage refunded as the semester goes on.

Getting ahold of your advisor can be pretty difficult when registration is not taking place or about to, so don't wait until the last minute to email your advisor a question.

The workload is EXTREMELY heavy; every studio requires at least six hours of homework worktime a week, liberal arts require at least three. Procrastination will lead to sleepless nights, and sometimes the best students end up pulling all nighters. Expectations are high, and if you do not present quality work in a presentation or critique, you will be torn a part. Detail is everything. Design classes require that all process work be documented and put into a binder or bound to be handed in. Semesters are 15 weeks long, each project has about 2, 3 weeks dedicated to it. Students are taking three, sometimes four, studio classes at a time. There have been many weeks where I averaged 20 hours of sleep a week (not including weekends) not because I procrastinated, but because of the workload.

Departments offer specialty classes-Advertising: Mobile App class, Social Media class, Guerrilla Advertising; Illustration: Children's Book Illustration; Entertainment Arts: Stop Motion (these are only a few, there are several, several more that are offered year after year). Independent study is also offered in every department.

We have one of the highest ranks Transportation Design Departments in the world.

Great Proximity, Not So Great Parking

I have been living off-campus for 2 years, and I have a great experience so far. I found an apartment my sophomore year about 6 blocks away from campus, around the bigger campus of Wayne State University. This area of Detroit is populated mostly by students, and I had no problem finding an apartment. The cost of living is average, around $500 for a 1 bedroom, making it just as affordable as living in student housing. The landlords understand that you are a student and are very helpful. The only thing that is inconvenient is that parking is hard to find, especially when classes are going on. It may be hard to find, but some apartments around the area do offer parking on a month-to-month basis.

Challenging

I have been very impressed with the Graphic Design faculty. You really have to work hard to earn a good grade. Be prepared to be challenged. The teachers I have had have always been extremely helpful—you just need to ask. I have been challenged and have learned a lot over a small period of time. Each student is different, but if you put in the work and thought—it will show in your work and you will get great feedback. Things to know right away—process work. Make sure you are constantly saving versions. Your professors are always looking for process work because it helps them understand how you are learning and what areas you can improve on. Very helpful. If I am very satisfied with CCS for graphic design. They really have some great professors and great preparation for the real world. Be prepared to work hard.

As for other departments, it's hit and miss. Some departments are top notch (Transportation Design; Product—what CCS is known for) and others departments I am just not sure what they do all the time.

The Liberal Arts department is very art and design mind orientated. ie: your science credit could be anatomy—which focus on the muscles and skeletal system of the body to help inform figure drawing as opposed to being focused for a nursing major. It's always hit or miss in the Liberal Arts as to if you're going to get a good teacher or not. I know a lot of students that can't type a complete sentence or spell for the life of them. Their art/design work is always phenomenal—but their english and grammer is not always the best. It is hit or miss for English profs.

Overall I would say the studio classes are top notch and liberal art classes are so-so. All in all, I have been very impressed.

You Get Out What You Put in.

CCS really pushes your limits when it comes to innovative/creative thinking. If you put the effort into your work, you will get good results and the teachers I have had have always been very helpful along the process. CCS is a bit different from other art and design school because it has two big majors that aren't offered at other schools: product design and transportation design. Because of this, each student gets a small taste for these fields during foundations. I found it really helpful and it even informed some of my graphic design work. Additionally, because students are diverse in these areas and other majors, getting an opinion on your work from a product design major or transportation design major is always helpful because they do tend to think in a different manner.

Also, I love the flexibility in classes. Just because I am a graphic design major does not mean I can't take woodworking, metal shop, or a photography class. You CAN, and all of your other classes help feed your ideas for your major. The more diverse your art and design practices are, the more innovative you can become with your work. That is what I love most about CCS.

There If You Need Them.

Most students have their own computers, but there are two 24 hour computer labs. One on Ford campus and one on the Taubman campus. They get very crowded during finals. During the day there are multiple labs to choose from, both mac and PC labs. All computers are top of the line and tricked out in the latest software available. The only thing I have a small issue with is the printers which seem to never have paper in them.

Maximum Security School

I feel VERY safe at CCS. The Taubman Center is right across the street from the main Detroit Police station. Getting into the building requires and access card and getting past guards and anywhere you go in the building requires you to use an access card too. Also, Wayne state is in the same area and they have their security as well that patrols our campus as well. I feel very safe walking around this neighborhood. CCS does an excellent job at making sure its students and staff stay safe.

Meh

Students are more focused on their work. Parties will happen at the beginning of semester, but wane as the semester continues. It's not a huge scene, but it's there if you want that.

The Hours Are Terrible

The food is decent at best unless you want to take the trip all the way to the other building then wait in line forever to get a meal that tastes good, but this is all saying you get there in time. The hours make it so you practically starve to death if you are on dining dollars. You can't have late nights without food that's available.

Invigorating

I really love CCS. While it challenges you beyond anything you have ever known, it is also best way to grow as a person. If I had to make my decision all over again I would still go to CCS. I realize that I am missing out on parts of the traditional college experience, but I think what CCS offers is more of a real life experience. We are trained to be the best and most successful in our fields, even though the process to the end can be long and stressful.

Dreary Winters

Detroit has quite a bit of gray weather but the winters are absolutely horrible. The sun is a rare sight and it can get very depressing.

Look Deeper

I feel that Detroit is a really great place and it does have quite a bit of potential, but the potential has yet to be reached. Safety is a major concern for students (and parents) but I feel that CCS does a very good job of telling the students about possible safety concerns and addressing them in ways that are non-worrisome. There is plenty to do around Detroit, you just have to look a bit. The museums, like The Henry Ford, are great to visit and there is certainly a plethora of places to eat in the Detroit Metro area as well.

Girls? Where? HERE? Nahhhhh

The girls at CCS are like non-existent. If they they do pop up behind a corner and make you do a double take, chances are they are a commuter, have a bf, or are a commuter with a bf. There are exceptions. The guys are pretty dorky, but there are lots of them, so finding one you like, can't be too hard.

CCS Bus Stuttles

Public Transportation is something i have never done in Detroit. From what i heard from friends taxi service is a little slow and taking the city bus can be a little nerve wrecking. However CCS has its own public transportation on campus. The CCS Bus Stuttle comes every 15 minutes and runs all day all night. Also on certain days one of the shuttle takes students to the local grocery stores and art supplies stores. This form of transportation is extremely useful to use CCS students, I would not know what to do with out them.

Dorm Life It Has Its High and Its Low

When coming to College For Creative Studies I fell in love with the dorms, but as in any relationship it had its up and downs. In the Dorm ,each group either of 2-3 or 3-6 had an apartment style sweet, consisting of two or three bedrooms, a kitchen, dining and living room and extra space for out large drafting tables. The space of the rooms and the freedom of cooking your own food was a blessing in disguise. Cost was eh okay, around 5000 rounded for a year , but hey who am i kidding my sisters dorm at BC was 12 k. Convenience was also good , only a walk across the freshly cut green lawn of campus and you at your class. However the NEW dorms of CCS is a little crowded, with a required meal plan , students have packed on the pounds as butter and oil are a main ingredient in every single MEAL. The freedom of cooking whatever, has been taken away from students living in this new dorm. Also SPACE, two students per dorm with a bathroom and a common area which your bed, desk, dresser and couch are located; pretty different from living in a full apartment. Other than that the dorms are okkkay, you can not have what you want always , that is unless you move out and get you own place :)

Safety in Detroit?! Its Possiable !

When I first told peers and teachers that I was going to school in Detroit Michigan, there first response was ...OMG why?!!?. But To tell you the truth, the reputation of the City of Detroit had no effect on me because I knew College For Creative Studies(CCS) was the school that was going to be for me, besides it being in a not so safe environment. When coming to CCS however, security is pretty tight, you have to sign in all guest in dorms and also students have to show i.d upon entering the dorms; no matter what. At nights they have patrol vehicles and transportation vehicles that bring you back and forth between campuses as well. In the end, I feel safe in Detroit on the CCS campus, even though reported accidents of being mugged have been a constant issue, CCS is trying as hard as they can and I appreciate the effort.

Uniqueness

This school is very credible art school. One of the best they are rated in the world. Great school for many things but mostly the department of Industrial Design and even more specifically, for transportation and automotive design. This is Detroit and it is importatnt to have a great school still remain in the city and especially for automotive related. In Times magazine and the New York Times magazine in 2008, was CCS rated the 2nd hardest in work load from Harvard. The faculty and staff works hard to push their students and the students do the same in being the best. This proves CCS is a credible school by the results in students getting good internships and jobs during and after school.

Facilities

The athletic facilities are new for CCS but are only in the dormatory areas. so that means if you have to live there to get access to the gym unless you know someone who lives in the dormatory will grant access for you to be their visitor. The problem about that is you have to get ahold of that person to meet you with security and they have to quit what they're doing to let you in. The library is nice, could be bigger and better seating arrangements like couches to relax and read. I think they are expanding their library. There are plenty of campus activities and groups for people to join.

My Overall Experience

CCS has been a bootcamp school for me because it has been very demanding but it is forcing me to grow up and get to where I want to be in life more efficiently than probably any other schools. Even though it is very demanding and sometimes stressful, I know that it is a very credible school. I enjoy being around others' who are inspiring, motivated and talented like me, so I know I am in the right place. I enjoy living on campus even though I am in a city, which I am not use to and a high crimed area as well, I know I'll be okay.

Detroit Nightlife

For underage people who are younger than 21, there is less to do in Detroit. There is some nights and some places that allow 18 and up but not many. CCS is not a big party college and it is a dry campus. The parties do have many underage drinkers but they do not get out of hand and rairly does anyone drive because they do not have transportation. For someone who is 21 or older and has experienced the nightlife, there is lots to do and many places to go. It is hard to just find a hoouse party through CCS, we often go to a neighboring college/university.

Some All Around Cool Cats

It is an art school so people dress very stylish. There are a lot of people who have the hipster look going for them. Most people I have talked to are super nice.

Good Cafe Area

There is not huge cafiteria but they have a great area to grab some food between classes.

Macs and Pcs

The computer labs at the school are great. They have both Mac and PC computers available and all the top of the line programs.

Parking at CCS

The school provides parking structures at both campuses. They use an electronic card system to gain access along with needing a parking permit sticker for your vehicle. Security is located in the garages 24/7 and do walk the garages to make sure that no one is in there who should not be.