Accounting at Cleary University

Cleary University's accounting program produces first-year earnings of $43,665—roughly $9,000 below Michigan's median and $10,000 below the national average. Among Michigan's 37 accounting programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of in-state alternatives deliver stronger starting salaries. When you consider that nearby schools like Michigan State and Central Michigan launch graduates earning $20,000+ more annually, the gap becomes hard to ignore.

The debt load of $24,039 sits right at Michigan's typical level, resulting in a manageable 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio. So graduates aren't drowning in loans—they're just not earning what accounting majors typically command. The profession generally offers strong career trajectories and solid mid-career earnings, but starting $10,000 behind peers means playing catch-up for years, potentially missing out on tens of thousands in early career wealth-building.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it less reliable than larger programs. Still, even accounting for statistical noise, the pattern suggests underperformance relative to Michigan's competitive accounting landscape. If your child has admission offers from other Michigan accounting programs, the earnings data strongly favors exploring those options first.