Students at Cleary University receive focused business education in a small college setting that emphasizes practical career preparation and personalized attention.
The concentrated approach to business training leads to moderate earnings outcomes that slightly exceed expectations for similar institutions.
Cleary University is a small private nonprofit institution in Howell, Michigan, specializing primarily in business education. While not ranked among the top-tier institutions nationally, Cleary offers a focused educational experience with moderate outcomes for students seeking business careers. The university serves a mix of students, with about 27% receiving Pell Grants and 42% being first-generation college students, though completion rates remain challenging at around 39% within six years.
What distinguishes Cleary is its concentrated approach to business education, with Business Administration and Management representing the primary program offering. Graduates earn a median of $54,186 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the middle range nationally for earnings outcomes. The university's small size creates an intimate learning environment, though this also means fewer program options and limited research opportunities compared to larger institutions.
For students specifically interested in business careers who prefer a small college environment, Cleary provides direct preparation for the workforce. The institution's focus on practical business skills and its location in Michigan's business corridor offer students access to regional employment opportunities, though outcomes vary significantly based on individual career paths and post-graduation choices.
Cleary University's program portfolio centers almost exclusively on business education, with Business Administration and Management representing the primary degree offering and the institution's strongest financial outcomes. This program graduates approximately 78 students annually and leads to median earnings of $66,653 ten years after graduation, which represents the best return on investment available at the university.
The concentrated focus on business education means that most students follow similar academic and career trajectories, with success depending largely on individual performance and career choices rather than program selection. While this specialization allows for deep expertise in business fundamentals and practical career preparation, it also limits options for students who might discover interests in other fields or want to pivot into higher-earning areas like technology or engineering.
For students certain about pursuing business careers, Cleary's focused approach provides direct preparation and industry-relevant skills. However, the lack of program diversity means fewer opportunities to explore different fields or access the highest-paying career paths available at more comprehensive institutions. Students should carefully consider whether this concentrated business focus aligns with their long-term career goals and interests.
Cleary University graduates achieve moderate long-term earnings, with a median income of $54,186 ten years after enrollment. This places the institution around the middle of the national distribution for earnings outcomes, reflecting the university's focus on business education and practical career preparation. Graduates also show slightly higher-than-expected earnings compared with similar students at other institutions, indicating some value beyond what might be predicted based on student characteristics alone.
The university's program portfolio centers heavily on business education, with Business Administration and Management serving as the primary degree offering. This program graduates about 78 students annually and leads to median earnings of $66,653 ten years out, representing the strongest financial outcomes available at the institution. The concentration in business fields means most students follow similar career trajectories, with outcomes depending largely on individual performance and post-graduation career choices rather than program diversity.
While earnings are respectable for a small private institution, the limited program mix means students have fewer options to pivot into higher-earning fields like engineering or technology. The business focus serves students well who are certain about their career direction, but may limit opportunities for those seeking broader academic exploration or access to the highest-paying career paths available at larger, more comprehensive universities.
Affordability at Cleary University varies significantly by family income, with net prices that reflect typical private college costs. Low-income students pay approximately $15,486 annually, which is competitive for a private institution, while middle-income families face costs around $22,141 per year. High-income families pay about $23,955 annually, representing the full cost structure of this small private college.
The university's financial aid approach helps make education accessible to students from various economic backgrounds, though costs remain higher than public alternatives. Most students who borrow take on federal student loans averaging $19,500, which is manageable relative to typical private college debt levels. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,617, indicating that many families contribute directly to educational costs rather than placing the full burden on students.
What makes Cleary's costs more sustainable is the focused nature of the education and the direct career preparation it provides. While families pay private college prices, they receive concentrated business training designed to lead directly into employment. The institution's small size also means students typically receive more individualized attention and support, which can help justify the higher costs compared to larger public institutions where students might struggle to access faculty and career services.
Cleary University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
