Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for need-based financial aid is determined by an analysis of financial resources for the most recent calendar year to assess a student’s ability to contribute to college costs. Adjustments to an application can be made because of a major change in circumstances, such as death, divorce or loss of employment or benefits.
To receive federal or state financial aid from CCS, students must demonstrate financial need, be accepted for enrollment in the graduate program, attend the College on at least a half-time basis, maintain satisfactory academic progress and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. In addition, a student must be registered with Selective Service (or be exempt) and cannot owe a refund on previous Title IV funds received or be in default on any student loan.
Application Procedures
All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for need-based financial aid, which can be located on the Department of Education’s website at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The recommended filing deadline for Michigan residents who want to be considered for state aid is March 1. CCS’ Title IV code is 006771.
Scholarship Programs
Applicants are automatically considered for CCS Scholarships upon completion of the admission requirements. Awards are based on the portfolio review and academic achievement of the applicant. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to continue receiving these scholarships. Students receiving tuition assistance from their employers will have their actual tuition scholarship reduced accordingly.
Need-based Grants and Scholarships
Michigan Tuition Grants
The Michigan Department of Education awards tuition grants to Michigan residents demonstrating financial need at independent colleges and universities in Michigan. Tuition grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis.
Federal Subsidized Stafford Student Loan Program
A federally subsidized, need-based loan program. Repayment begins six months after graduation, upon enrollment of less than half-time or upon withdrawal from the College.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loan Program
A federal, non-need-based loan program available to students who have completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Repayment begins six months after graduation, upon enrollment of less than half-time or upon withdrawal from the College.
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program
Supplemental loan from the based on credit application. Repayment begins within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed.
Alternative Loan Program
Credit based loans from private lenders. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.
Duration of Eligibility
Full-time students may receive financial aid for a maximum of three years (6 semesters) of full-time awards. Half-time students are eligible for a maximum of 6 years (12 semesters) of half-time awards. Students receiving State of Michigan funds may have a lower maximum number of years for both full-time and part-time enrollment. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
In order to be eligible for financial aid, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degree as defined by the College. Students who do not meet this requirement will be suspended and their financial aid terminated. (For further details on what constitutes satisfactory academic progress and on the academic suspension appeal process, see the Academic Policies section of this catalog.)
Proration of Financial Aid
Financial aid is initially awarded based on full-time enrollment. For students enrolled less than full-time, federal, state and institutional scholarships and grants will be prorated using the following formula. Scholarships from outside entities are not prorated unless required by the donor. Loan amounts do not change unless requested by the students.
- 11.5 – 9 credits – 75%
- 8.5 – 6 credits – 50%
- Less than 6 credits – 0
Return of Title IV Funds
This policy applies to students who are eligible for Title IV funds and withdraw prior to the 60 percent period (described below). This determines a student’s amount of Title IV funds earned for said period. The term “Title IV Funds” refers to federal financial aid programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended) and includes the following programs available to graduate students at the College for Creative Studies: unsubsidized FFEL loans, subsidized FFEL loans, and FFEL PLUS loans. A student’s withdrawal date is the date the student began the institution’s withdrawal process or officially notified the institution of intent to withdraw or the midpoint of the period for a student who leaves without notifying the institution, or the student’s last date of attendance at a documented academically related activity. Title IV aid is earned in a prorated manner based on calendar days, including weekends (and holidays no longer than five consecutive days), up to the 60 percent point in the semester, after which point Title IV aid is viewed as 100 percent earned. A copy of the worksheet used for this calculation can be requested from the Office of Financial Aid. In accordance with federal regulations, when it is determined that the return of Title IV funds is required, they shall be returned in the following order: unsubsidized FFEL loans, subsidized FFEL loan, FFEL PLUS and other Title IV funds. The College for Creative Studies is responsible for providing each student with the information given in this policy, identifying students who are affected by this policy and completing the Return of Title IV funds calculation for said students. The student is responsible for returning any Title IV funds that were disbursed directly to the student and which the student was determined to be ineligible for via the Return of Title IV Funds calculation. The policy listed above supersedes those published previously and is subject to change at any time. Any notification of a withdrawal or cancellation and request for a refund should be in writing and addressed to the appropriate institutional office.