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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Cleary University

Howell, Michigan · www.cleary.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

67.5%

2025

Peer median 68.0%

Tuition per year

$26,102

$39,002 with room and board

Peer median $13,920

Undergraduates

769

Student-faculty ratio 18:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

53.8%

4-year; 6-year rate 53.8%

Peer median 15.4%

“Peers” are all 40 private business and management schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Cleary University, located in Howell, Michigan, is a distinguished institution known for its focus on business education and professional development. Established in 1883, Cleary has a rich history and has evolved to meet the changing needs of the workforce. The university prides itself on a student-centered approach, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business administration, information technology, and healthcare management. The university's motto, "Where Business Begins," reflects its commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the business world.

The campus culture at Cleary University fosters a sense of community and engagement among students. With a strong emphasis on practical experience and hands-on learning, students benefit from real-world projects, internships, and networking opportunities that enhance their academic experience. The faculty at Cleary are highly qualified professionals with extensive industry experience, ensuring that students receive relevant and applicable knowledge. Additionally, Cleary University champions diversity and inclusion, creating an environment where students from various backgrounds can thrive. The university's commitment to student success is evident in its robust career services, which assist graduates in securing employment in their chosen fields, further solidifying Cleary's position as a key player in higher education in Michigan.

Analysis of Key Trends at Cleary University

Over the years, Cleary University has experienced significant fluctuations in several critical metrics that reflect its overall performance and student experience. One of the most noticeable trends is the increase in tuition fees. From 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition has risen from $18,720 to $24,842, representing a staggering increase of approximately 32.7%. This rise in costs can be a concern for prospective students and their families, especially considering the financial burden of higher education in the current economic climate.

In contrast, the number of undergraduate students has shown a positive upward trend, growing from 457 in 2014 to 719 in 2023. This increase of approximately 57% indicates a growing interest in the university, potentially attributed to enhanced recruitment strategies or an expanding program offering. However, it is essential to consider how rising tuition may impact future enrollment figures.

Another critical area of concern is the graduation rates, which have fluctuated considerably over the years. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates peaked at 53.3% in 2014 but has since plummeted to a mere 4.2% in 2023. This downward trend raises questions about the university's ability to support students in completing their degrees in a timely manner, which could affect its reputation and attractiveness to new students.

Retention rates have also seen variability, dropping from 80% in 2013 to around 52% in 2023. This decline suggests that once enrolled, students may struggle with their college experience, leading to higher dropout rates. It is critical for the university to address the factors contributing to students leaving and to improve the overall student support services.

In summary, while Cleary University has successfully increased its enrollment numbers, the significant rise in tuition fees, declining graduation rates, and retention challenges highlight areas that need immediate attention to ensure that students receive the quality education and support they deserve.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a midsize city
Nearest major city
Detroit, about 40 mi
Nearest international airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), about 35 mi
Howell, Michigan
Also known as
Cleary College
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Alan Drimmer (President)
Phone
8006861883
City
Howell, Michigan
Address
3750 Cleary Drive, Howell, MI 48843

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 68.0% · all 40 private business and management schools in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
73.1%
Women
64.0%

In 2020: men 71.2%, women 71.9%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at Cleary University

The admission data for Cleary University reveals significant fluctuations in acceptance rates and enrollment figures over the years, reflecting broader trends in higher education. In 2013, the male acceptance rate stood at 72.41%, while female applicants had a slightly higher rate of 79.31%. Over the next few years, acceptance rates generally remained stable, peaking in 2015 with male applicants at 79.82% and females at 78.33%.
However, a dramatic shift occurred in 2017, where male acceptance plummeted to 48.37%, and females to 45.51%. This decline in acceptance rates could indicate a more competitive applicant pool or possibly a strategic decision by the university to tighten admissions standards. The subsequent years saw a slight recovery, yet the rates remained below previous levels, with 2022 recording male and female acceptance rates of 73.01% and 82.06%, respectively.
Enrollment numbers tell a similar story. While the university saw an increase in enrolled students in certain years—most notably, 200 students in 2022—the number of denied applications surged, reaching 279 in 2021. This could suggest an increasing popularity of the institution, but also highlights the challenges faced by prospective students in navigating the admissions landscape.
Overall, Cleary University’s admission trends reflect the complexities of modern higher education, where institutions must balance accessibility with the need to maintain academic standards amidst rising competition. The fluctuations in acceptance and denial rates could be indicative of wider societal shifts, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college enrollment and the changing priorities of potential students.

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

Analysis of Cleary University's Admission Data

The admission data from Cleary University over the years presents a mixed picture of standardized test submissions and scores. Notably, from 2013 to 2023, there has been a significant increase in the percentage of applicants submitting standardized test scores, particularly SAT and ACT. In 2018, for instance, 80% of applicants submitted SAT scores, which is quite noteworthy compared to previous years where data is sparse.

The SAT scores show a gradual improvement in the scores submitted by students, with the 25th percentile starting at 450 and the 75th percentile reaching up to 590 by 2023. This upward trend indicates that the applicant pool is becoming more competitive, which aligns with national trends observed in higher education where universities are increasingly attracting higher-achieving students.

Moreover, the ACT participation percentages also reflect a positive trend, with 50% of applicants providing their scores in 2013. This suggests a growing recognition of the importance of these tests in the admissions process, despite a broader trend in many institutions moving towards more holistic admissions practices that consider a variety of factors beyond standardized testing.

The consistent submission rates of test scores at 100% in certain years further emphasizes the reliance on these metrics for admission decisions, particularly during the pandemic years when many institutions were navigating uncertainties.

Overall, the data points to Cleary University's commitment to maintaining rigorous admission standards while adapting to the evolving educational landscape. As prospective students become increasingly competitive, it will be interesting to see how the university continues to shape its admissions strategies in the years to come.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 7 in 10

382 applicants in 2025, 67.5% admitted

258 admitted 124 not admitted Yield 28.7%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate386 international (15.8%)
Bachelor's3559 international (2.5%)
Master's1676 international (3.6%)
Top 2 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
347
Accounting and Finance
8

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Organizational Leadership · Master's155 (3% international)
  • Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General · Master's8 (0% international)
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other · Master's4 (50% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Cleary University

The graduation data from Cleary University reveals significant insights into the distribution of degrees awarded across various business programs. Notably, the most prominent degree conferred is the master's degree, particularly in Organizational Leadership, which produced 110 graduates, including 4 international students. This highlights a growing interest in advanced leadership skills essential for navigating today's complex business landscape.

In contrast, other programs such as Human Resources Management and Financial Planning show modest master's degree completions with only 13 and 6 graduates, respectively. This disparity suggests that while there is a robust interest in leadership roles, other business specializations may not be attracting the same level of enrollment at the graduate level.

Interestingly, undergraduate degrees were notably absent in this dataset, indicating a potential gap in the institution's offerings or student interest in bachelor's programs. The data shows minimal associate degree completions, with only a few programs like Office Management and Supervision producing graduates. This could point to a need for more targeted recruitment or curriculum refinement to boost enrollment in associate degree programs.

Moreover, the absence of international students in several categories, particularly at the bachelor's level, underscores the importance of enhancing global outreach and support for international candidates. As universities increasingly compete for a diverse student body, Cleary University may benefit from strategic partnerships and marketing efforts that appeal to international applicants. Overall, the data suggests that while some programs thrive, there is room for growth and diversification in others to better align with market demands.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Businesshas 560 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.$58,705-$83,238
Organizational Leadership.$58,705-$83,238
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other.$58,705-$83,238
Accounting and Finance.-
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General.-

Students

1,004 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 60:40 · Freshman retention 65.9%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (769)

White
456 · 59.3%
Black
175 · 22.8%
Unknown
50 · 6.5%
International
37 · 4.8%
Hispanic
23 · 3.0%
Asian
13 · 1.7%
Two or more races
5 · 0.7%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
2.1%
18–19
15.1%
20–21
19.1%
22–24
18.5%
25 and over
45.3%

Graduate students

Under 22
0.9%
22–24
14.5%
25–29
12.3%
30–34
7.2%
35 and over
65.1%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Cleary University in 2023

In 2023, Cleary University showcases a diverse student body, with a significant number of undergraduate freshmen, continuing students, transfer students, and graduate students. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is 103, with a notable male representation at 68%, while female representation stands at 32%. This trend of male-dominated enrollment continues among continuing students, where males account for 63.4% of the 543 students.

However, a shift is observed among transfer students, where the male representation drops to 58.6%, indicating a gradual increase in female students in this category, which stands at 41.4%. Interestingly, graduate students present a different picture, with females making up a majority at 56.4%, compared to 43.6% for males. This could reflect a growing trend of women pursuing higher education, particularly at the graduate level.

The university's commitment to diversity is also evident in its racial and ethnic demographics. Unfortunately, detailed data for the different ethnic groups within the undergraduate and graduate categories is incomplete. However, it is essential to highlight the presence of a small number of international students, which enriches the university's cultural landscape.

Overall, Cleary University's demographic data for 2023 illustrates the complexities of gender representation across different student categories while emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in higher education. As higher education institutions continue to evolve, these trends reflect broader societal changes and the ongoing efforts to foster diversity in academic environments.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Cleary University 2023

The age distribution of students at Cleary University in 2023 reveals interesting trends regarding both undergraduate and graduate enrollments. Notably, students aged 18-19 represent a significant portion of the population, with 119 male undergraduates and 50 female undergraduates, indicating a strong influx of younger students. This aligns with national trends where many students transition directly from high school to college.

The data shows a decline in numbers as students age. For those aged 22-24, the total number of male students drops to 57, while female students decrease to 37. This trend continues into the 25-29 age bracket, where the figures suggest that many students may be leaving the academic environment as they enter the workforce or pursue other life commitments.

Interestingly, the university appears to maintain a balanced gender ratio, particularly among younger students. However, the proportion of male graduate students is notably higher in the 30-34 age bracket compared to their female counterparts, suggesting that older males may be pursuing further education at higher rates.

Furthermore, the presence of students aged 50-64 and above indicates that Cleary University is catering to non-traditional students, which is increasingly common in today's educational landscape as lifelong learning gains prominence.

Overall, the data illustrates a diverse age range among students at Cleary University, reflecting broader societal trends where education is pursued at various life stages. As the university continues to adapt to these trends, it is important to ensure that support systems are in place for all age groups to foster an inclusive learning environment.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 40 private business and management schools in the U.S.

Undergraduates4.8%

37 in 2025 · 2.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 2.2%2017: 2.3%2018: 4.2%2019: 5.3%2020: 1.9%2021: 5.9%2022: 0.0%2023: 4.6%2024: 5.1%2025: 4.8%
2016Peer median 2.4%2025
Graduate students0.9%

2 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 20% 40% 2016: 0.0%2017: 34.5%2018: 30.9%2019: 31.7%2020: 0.0%2021: 1.3%2022: 0.0%2023: 2.3%2024: 3.1%2025: 0.9%
2016Peer median 30.8%2025

Data insights

International Student Trends at Cleary University

The data on international students at Cleary University reveals significant fluctuations over the years. From 2006 to 2023, the number of undergraduate international students has varied, peaking at 33 in 2023, which accounts for approximately 4.59% of the total undergraduate population. This represents a steady increase compared to previous years, especially notable from 2017 onwards, where there was a marked rise in both the number of international students and their percentage in the student body.

On the graduate level, the trends are somewhat different. The graduate student population has seen a notable spike in international enrollment, particularly in 2015 and 2017, where international students constituted 25% and approximately 34.45% of the total graduate students, respectively. However, the numbers have dropped significantly in the following years, highlighting possible challenges in attracting and retaining international graduate students.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly impacted international student mobility, as seen in the data from 2020, which shows a decline in both undergraduate and graduate international enrollments. As institutions globally adapt to post-pandemic recovery, it's essential for Cleary University to develop strategies aimed at increasing international student recruitment and support.

Overall, while there has been growth in international student numbers at Cleary University, sustained efforts will be necessary to maintain and improve these figures going forward, particularly in the graduate sector, which appears more vulnerable to fluctuations in enrollment.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$39,002

Undergraduate tuition
$26,102
Room and board
$12,900
Graduate tuition
$21,879
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $27,000 · all 40 private business and management schools in the U.S.

Tuition rose 31% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 34%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$14.8M

Tuition and fees
$13.8M93.2%
Auxiliary enterprises
$535K3.6%
Gifts and private grants
$445K3.0%
Investment return
$31K0.2%

Expenses$14.1M

Institutional support
$5.8M41.3%
Student services
$4.7M33.0%
Instruction
$3.1M22.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$293K2.1%
Academic support
$220K1.6%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 40 private business and management schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$40,494peers $78,410
Associate professor
$40,494peers $72,843

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference

Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NAIA Division I MENWOMEN
Soccer3335
Baseball58-
Track and Field (Indoor)267
Track and Field (Outdoor)267
Basketball1615
Wrestling28-
Ice Hockey26-
Bowling169
Softball-22
Golf119
Other Sports15-
Cross Country91
2024
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Baseball68-
Soccer3329
Ice Hockey31-
Softball-24
Basketball1310
Bowling139
Golf129
Track and Field (Indoor)147
Track and Field (Outdoor)147
Wrestling18-
Cross Country72
Other Sports--
2023
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Baseball55-
Soccer2625
Ice Hockey40-
Softball-24
Golf1111
Track and Field (Indoor)114
Bowling105
Track and Field (Outdoor)94
Cross Country103
Wrestling6-
Other Sports--

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Cleary University:

  1. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Ranked 21st in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is renowned for its strong research programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. Michigan State University - With a rank of 60, this large public university offers a diverse array of programs and a rich history of academic excellence.

  3. Hillsdale College - This liberal arts college ranks 39th and is known for its classical education and commitment to a liberal arts curriculum.

  4. University of Notre Dame - A prestigious institution ranked 20th, known for its strong academic programs and beautiful campus.

  5. Oberlin College - This liberal arts college, ranked 51st, is recognized for its commitment to social change and a diverse educational environment.

These institutions offer a range of academic opportunities and contribute to the vibrant educational landscape surrounding Cleary University.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 40 private business and management schools in the U.S.

Data insights

Commentary on Crime Data at Cleary University

The crime data from Cleary University presents a remarkably positive outlook, with reported incidents remaining at zero from 2013 to 2023. This consistent lack of recorded offenses suggests that the university has successfully fostered a safe and secure campus environment for its students.

In an era where campus safety is increasingly scrutinized, particularly in light of rising crime rates in various educational institutions across the country, Cleary University's performance stands out. Reports of violent crimes, drug-related arrests, and alcohol offenses have become common headlines, making the absence of such incidents at Cleary noteworthy. It highlights the effectiveness of their safety protocols and community engagement initiatives.

Moreover, maintaining a crime-free campus can significantly enhance the overall student experience and attract prospective students and their families who prioritize safety. It is essential for universities to not only implement preventive measures but also to cultivate a culture of responsibility and respect among students.

While the data is encouraging, it is crucial for the university to continue vigilance and adapt to any evolving safety challenges. Transparency in reporting and proactive communication about safety measures can further bolster trust within the campus community. As crime rates fluctuate across the nation, Cleary University serves as a compelling case study in successful campus safety management.

For those interested in understanding how crime rates are calculated, more information can be found at: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Cleary University include Winsor McCay (Cartoonist and animator, creator of Little Nemo), Vern Buchanan (U.S. Representative from Florida and businessman) and Scott Sigler (Science fiction and horror author and podcaster).

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.