At $21,019/yr net price, Cleary University graduates earn $54,186/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,186/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,019 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,076 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,186/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,186/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,486/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,957/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,141/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,854/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,955/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $66,653 | $21,999 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,045 |
The Risk Factor
39.4% of students at Cleary University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Cleary University sits in a mixed financial position, and the risk shows up before the earnings do. Only 39% of students graduate, and just 64% return after their first year. If you enroll and leave without a degree, you carry debt with none of the earnings that make it worth paying back. That completion risk is the biggest number to watch here.
Cleary is a business school, and the payoff tracks that focus. The Business Administration bachelor's is the standout, paying well above the school's overall median a decade out. Since business is what Cleary does, your odds of landing in that higher-earning group are decent if you finish. There is no listed program data outside business, so if you want a career that isn't management, sales, or operations in the Howell and greater Detroit area, this isn't the school for you.
Debt stays reasonable. The typical borrower leaves owing under $20,000, and business grads earn enough to service that within a normal repayment window. The danger isn't the debt load for finishers. it's borrowing that amount and not crossing the finish line.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families more than the sticker suggests. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay roughly $8,500 less per year than families above $110,000. But the top three income brackets pay nearly the same price, so a household at $75,000 gets almost no more help than one earning six figures.
Cleary fits you if you know you want a business career, plan to graduate, and can commit to finishing all four years. If you're undecided on a major or need a wide range of programs to choose from, a school with stronger retention and a broader catalog is the safer financial bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleary University worth the cost for business students?
Cleary University's business programs show decent returns, with business administration graduates earning around $60,000-67,000 annually. At $21,019 per year in net costs and $19,500 median debt, the financial burden is manageable compared to many private colleges.
What is Cleary University's graduation rate and job outcomes?
Only 39% of Cleary University students graduate, which is well below average for four-year colleges. However, those who do complete their degrees earn a median of $54,186 ten years after enrollment, primarily through business-focused programs.
How much debt do Cleary University students typically have?
Cleary University graduates leave with a median debt of $19,500, which is relatively low for a private institution. This debt level is generally manageable given the school's focus on business careers that start around $54,000-67,000 annually.
Should I attend Cleary University or choose a different business school?
Cleary University works for students seeking affordable business education in Michigan, but the low 39% graduation rate is a serious concern. Consider whether you need the structure and support of a larger university with better completion rates.