Business Administration, Management and Operations at Cleary University

Cleary University's business program demonstrates one of the strongest earnings trajectories you'll find among Michigan business schools. Students start at $50,573—solidly above both national and state medians—and jump to $71,725 within four years, matching Michigan State's earnings at a fraction of the cost. That 42% earnings growth suggests graduates enter roles with clear advancement potential, not just dead-end starter positions.

The value proposition becomes even clearer when you examine the debt picture. At $23,000, students graduate owing $4,000 less than the typical Michigan business graduate and $3,000 less than the national average. Combined with above-median first-year earnings, this creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45—meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary. That's manageable by any standard and leaves room in the budget for retirement savings, car payments, and the occasional splurge.

The 60th percentile state ranking tells you this isn't a flagship-level program, but it doesn't need to be. Your child won't match U-M Ann Arbor's $93,000 starting salaries, but they also won't compete with tens of thousands of applicants for admission. For families focused on actual return on investment rather than bumper sticker prestige, Cleary delivers: above-average earnings, below-average debt, and strong upward mobility. That's a winning combination in business education.