About Cleary University
Cleary University has built its reputation around practical business education since 1883. The 774-student institution focuses exclusively on business administration and related fields, drawing primarily from Michigan with 86.67% of students coming from in-state. This suburban Howell campus attracts students who want hands-on business training rather than a traditional liberal arts experience.
The financial picture tells a mixed story about value. Students pay an average net price of $21,019 after aid, which is reasonable for private education. Graduates earn a median of $54,186 ten years after leaving school, though the 39.40% six-year graduation rate means many students don't finish. Those who do complete their degrees typically carry $19,500 in debt with monthly payments of $207. The 97.7% employment rate suggests strong job placement for graduates.
The student body skews male at 60.21% and reflects Michigan's diversity with 54.26% white students and 23.90% Black students. Athletics play a significant role with 299 athletes competing in 20 NAIA sports, earning over $1.8 million in scholarships. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than typical small colleges, but the business focus creates networking opportunities within specific industries.
The financial picture tells a mixed story about value. Students pay an average net price of $21,019 after aid, which is reasonable for private education. Graduates earn a median of $54,186 ten years after leaving school, though the 39.40% six-year graduation rate means many students don't finish. Those who do complete their degrees typically carry $19,500 in debt with monthly payments of $207. The 97.7% employment rate suggests strong job placement for graduates.
The student body skews male at 60.21% and reflects Michigan's diversity with 54.26% white students and 23.90% Black students. Athletics play a significant role with 299 athletes competing in 20 NAIA sports, earning over $1.8 million in scholarships. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than typical small colleges, but the business focus creates networking opportunities within specific industries.
Academics & Faculty
Cleary University built its reputation around practical business education since 1883. The school focuses entirely on business administration and related professional fields. Students work with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, which allows for decent personal attention in business coursework. The 58.79% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face while balancing careers and studies. Cleary emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and real-world business applications. The curriculum centers on accounting, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship programs designed for Michigan's business community. Most students come from in-state at 86.67%, creating strong regional networking opportunities. The business-only focus means students dive deep into their field without general education distractions.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 4.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 58.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 39.4%
- Retention Rate
- 63.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,186
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $66,653 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,045 |
Campus Life
Cleary University sits in suburban Howell, about 45 minutes from Detroit's business district. With only 774 students enrolled, you'll recognize faces walking between the compact academic buildings. The campus houses just 190 students, meaning only about 25% live on campus while the majority commute from across Michigan's 86.67% in-state population.
Michigan winters demand heavy coats and boots from November through March, with lake-effect snow common. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio creates small business classes where professors know your name and career goals. Men outnumber women 60% to 39%, creating a business-focused atmosphere that mirrors many corporate environments.
Weekend life revolves around the 20 NAIA varsity sports teams, with 299 total athletes competing as Cougars. Many students work part-time jobs to manage costs, as 43.60% take federal loans despite the relatively modest $19,500 median debt. The suburban setting offers chain restaurants and shopping centers, but Detroit's internship opportunities and nightlife remain a short drive away. Students often gather for business networking events and career workshops that extend classroom learning.
Michigan winters demand heavy coats and boots from November through March, with lake-effect snow common. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio creates small business classes where professors know your name and career goals. Men outnumber women 60% to 39%, creating a business-focused atmosphere that mirrors many corporate environments.
Weekend life revolves around the 20 NAIA varsity sports teams, with 299 total athletes competing as Cougars. Many students work part-time jobs to manage costs, as 43.60% take federal loans despite the relatively modest $19,500 median debt. The suburban setting offers chain restaurants and shopping centers, but Detroit's internship opportunities and nightlife remain a short drive away. Students often gather for business networking events and career workshops that extend classroom learning.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 190 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1883
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–30°F
- July Avg
- 59°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 31.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- -746.1"
Student Demographics
Cleary attracts business-minded students who want practical career preparation close to home. Nearly 87% of students come from Michigan, reflecting the university's strong reputation among local families seeking affordable business education. The student body skews male at 60%, which aligns with the school's focus on business administration and management programs. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing Cleary serves working-class families who value the school's job-focused approach. The diverse mix includes 54% white students and 24% Black students, creating a multicultural environment in suburban Howell.
- Men
- 60.2%
- Women
- 39.8%
- White
- 54.3%
- Black
- 23.9%
- Hispanic
- 4.5%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 86.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.4%
Location
Cleary University sits in Howell, Michigan, roughly 60 miles northwest of Detroit. The campus occupies a suburban setting in Livingston County, where rolling hills and lakes define the landscape. Howell serves as the county seat with about 10,000 residents, offering a classic small-town atmosphere without the isolation of rural areas. The region blends suburban conveniences with access to outdoor recreation, including nearby state parks and chain lakes. Students can reach Ann Arbor in 30 minutes and Detroit's business district in an hour, providing internship and job opportunities in Michigan's economic centers. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Cleary University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Howell, Michigan 48843
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,186
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $69,007
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $46,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Cleary University?
Cleary University accepts 67.53% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. The business-focused institution draws most of its 774 students from Michigan, with 86.67% coming from in-state.
How much does Cleary University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,019 annually, down from the $24,842 sticker price. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,486 after aid, while the median graduate debt is $19,500.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Cleary University?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 21:1, reflecting the university's focus on business programs and practical career preparation. Founded in 1883, Cleary has built its reputation around business administration and related professional fields.
Does Cleary University have good job placement rates?
Graduates achieve a 97.7% employment rate, with median earnings of $54,186 ten years after graduation. However, the 39.40% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to complete their business degrees.
Where is Cleary University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Howell, Michigan, a midsize suburban setting about an hour from Detroit. With housing capacity for just 190 students out of 774 total enrollment, most Cougars commute to this business-focused institution.
How strong are athletics at Cleary University?
The Cougars compete in NAIA with 20 varsity sports and 299 total athletes, making athletics a significant part of campus life. The university awards $1,871,672 in athletic scholarships, helping support nearly 40% of the student body in competitive sports.
