Cleary University Athletics

Cleary University competes in the NAIA, which offers a middle ground between Division I's intense athletic culture and Division III's recreational approach. The Cougars field 20 varsity sports with 299 total athletes, meaning nearly 39% of the 774-student body participates in athletics. This creates a tight-knit athletic community where nearly two out of every five students are varsity competitors. The university awards $1,871,672 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating a serious commitment to recruiting talented student-athletes. With a 60% male enrollment, the gender split reflects the school's business focus while supporting a robust athletic program. The NAIA level allows Cleary to offer meaningful scholarships and competitive play without the overwhelming time commitments of major college sports.