Academic Comparison between MSU and CCS

Michigan State University and College for Creative Studies are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. MSU is a four-year, public school located in East Lansing, MI and CCS is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Detroit, MI.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • MSU is a public and CCS is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • CCS has more expensive tuition & fees ($53,350) than MSU ($44,850).
  • It is harder to admit to MSU than CCS.
  • MSU has more students with 52,089 students while CCS has 1,433 students.
  • CCS has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 3,013 faculties while CCS has 54 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.College for Creative Studies
East Lansing, MichiganLocationDetroit, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationSchool of art, music, and design
In-State$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
2025 Tuition & Fees$53,350
80%% Receiving Financial Aid90%
$9,834Average Amount of Financial Aid$26,478
84.80 %Acceptance Rates91.94 %
18.32 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)24.90 %
1,260SAT Score-
28ACT Score-
81 %Graduation Rate71 %
-Transfer-out Rate14 %
90 %Retention Rate82 %
52,089Student Population1,433
3,013Number of Faculties54
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio10 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services