Admit rate has ranged 50%–76% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Cleary University is a small, business-focused institution in Howell, Michigan, that operates more like a professional finishing school than a traditional liberal arts college. Its entire academic identity is built around a singular 'Business Arts Curriculum' designed to churn out 'business-ready' graduates, a focus reflected in its pragmatic campus culture and emphasis on immediate employment outcomes. With a moderately selective admissions process and a significant portion of students living on campus, Cleary offers a concentrated, career-oriented experience for those who know exactly what they want to study.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
College-prep program
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
738
In-state tuition
$26,102
Out-of-state tuition
$26,102
Graduation Rate
41%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$54,186
First-Year Students Receiving Aid
98-99%
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,186
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
2.4×
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
Graduation rate
41%
First-year retention
66%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
47%
Pell (lower-income) share
30%
First-gen share (among federal-aid recipients)
42%
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Business Administration, Management and Operations$66,653
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
91
Summer high
81°F
Winter low
22°F
Annual rain
37.7"
Annual snow
34.2"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Low
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
23
Scholarly works
73
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Cleary University?
Cleary University's acceptance rate is approximately 68% (Howell, MI), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
How much does Cleary University cost?
At Cleary University, the average net price (after aid) is about $22,143 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Cleary University?
Cleary University enrolls approximately 738 undergraduate students.
Where is Cleary University located?
Cleary University is located in Howell, MI.
Admissions
Cleary University's admissions process is moderately selective, with various sources reporting that suggest a range of applicant pools and definitions. The university's own reported figures and third-party aggregators show some variance, but the canonical acceptance rate is 68%. Standardized test scores are considered, with reported SAT ranges for admitted students typically between 950 and 1170, and ACT scores between 22 and 29. The university does not appear to have a binding Early Decision program in the traditional sense; references to 'Early Decision' in one source likely refer to an 'Early College' dual-enrollment program offered in partnership with local high schools, which allows students to earn an associate degree alongside their high school diploma. There is no information in the provided sources regarding whether Cleary University considers 'demonstrated interest' in its admissions decisions, nor is there data on rate or the share of the class filled via early decision.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Cleary University is, unabashedly, a business school. Every degree program—undergraduate and graduate—is steeped in what the university calls its unique 'Business Arts Curriculum.' This curriculum aims to develop 'well-rounded graduates' who possess not only business skills but also 'leadership qualities, critical thinking' and a professional mindset. There are no traditional liberal arts majors here; the focus is intensely practical and industry-aligned.
Popular and expanding programs include Accounting, Healthcare Management, and Sports Promotion & Management. The university has recently expanded its offerings to include cutting-edge fields like Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence, explicitly designed to meet industry needs. The academic environment is characterized by its singular focus on building 'The Cleary Graduate'—a professional ready to enter the business world upon completion.
Cleary promotes a 'vibrant student life experience' centered around residential campus living and athletics. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 811 (fall 2023), the campus is small and likely close-knit. The university offers on-campus housing with a residence life philosophy grounded in 'open discourse, respectful behavior, and a positive, welcoming environment.'
Student life is bolstered by various student organizations and groups that are 'fun and informative, student-directed, staff/faculty mentored.' The university also supports a 'dynamic and competitive athletic program' (the Cleary Cougars). The overall atmosphere is described as a 'welcoming student-centered atmosphere,' where the small size fosters a sense of community. External reviews note student access to local bars and restaurants in the Howell area.
Employment outcomes are the central metric of success at Cleary, and the university reports strong results. A 2021 Graduate Outcome Report stated that 97% of that year's 119 graduates were employed, with 3% actively seeking work. A more recent 2025 report claims 90% of graduates are 'gainfully employed.' The university touts a #1 ranking in Michigan for return on investment, a claim supported by its canonical median earnings figure of $54,186 ten years after entry. Other sources suggest median earnings for recent graduates can vary by program, with one citing 'General' studies yielding the highest at $58,721 annually.
The canonical graduation rate is 41%, though other sources report figures of 39% and 54%. The lower completion rate is a notable counterpoint to the strong employment reports for those who do finish, highlighting a potential challenge with persistence through the program.
The canonical average after aid at Cleary University is $22,143. The university is aggressive in promoting financial accessibility, with its Net Price Calculator and other tools estimating that 98-99% of full-time, first-year undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid. Cleary has announced 'opportunity for no cost tuition' for some students, allowing attendance 'at a significantly reduced cost, or no cost,' though the specific eligibility criteria for this program are not detailed in the provided sources.
The university offers federal direct loans to eligible students and provides guidance on managing financial aid, including the need to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. There is no indication in the provided sources that Cleary University has a 'no-loan' policy (where loans are replaced by grants) or that it commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. Its aid strategy appears focused on high rates of scholarship/grant distribution to lower net price.
Cleary University stands out for its uncompromising, single-minded focus on business education. It doesn't try to be everything to everyone; it is a specialist institution. The 'Business Arts Curriculum' is more than a marketing phrase—it defines the entire academic experience, aiming to produce a specific type of pragmatic, professionally oriented graduate. This clarity of purpose is refreshing.
Its value proposition is straightforward: a moderately selective, small-campus experience that leads directly to employment. The high reported employment rates (90-97%) for graduates are its strongest selling point, justifying its claim of top ROI in Michigan. The potential for very low net cost through aggressive grant aid makes it a financially pragmatic choice for business-minded students. However, the lower graduation rate suggests the intense, specialized model may not suit everyone, and students must be prepared to engage fully with the business-focused ethos from day one. It's a college for those who have already decided on their career path and want a direct, no-frills route to getting there.
Cleary University seal · sourceVirtual Tour - Cleary University · sourceCleary University - Wikipedia · sourceUndergraduate Programs at Cleary - Cleary University · source
.jpg?width=1600)
