The College for Creative Studies is a nonprofit, private institution authorized by the Michigan Department of Education to award Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees. CCS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), its institutional accrediting body. The HLC is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. HLC evaluates institutions based on their mission and established criteria and is one of seven regional accrediting bodies in the United States.