Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree) at Cleary University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$56,804

Est. from MI median (17 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,990

Est. from MI median (6 programs)

Analysis

The challenge with Cleary's finance program is that it appears to track exactly with other Michigan finance programs—which means it's likely middle-of-the-pack in a state where even the top programs don't command exceptional premiums. Based on comparable programs statewide, graduates would earn around $57,000 in their first year while carrying roughly $26,000 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 is manageable by conventional standards, but the ceiling seems limited. Michigan State graduates earn $68,000—a $11,000 advantage—suggesting that employer preferences may favor brand recognition in finance hiring.

What's more concerning is how Cleary compares nationally. The estimated earnings align with Michigan's median but exceed the national benchmark by only $3,200. For a field where networking, internship pipelines, and alumni connections often matter as much as curriculum, attending a smaller institution without reported outcomes data raises questions about placement strength. Finance programs exist at 749 schools nationwide, making differentiation crucial.

The practical reality: if your child can access one of Michigan's larger programs—particularly Michigan State or Oakland—the higher earnings trajectory might justify any additional cost. If Cleary is the affordable option and your child plans to work locally in mid-market financial services, the debt level won't be crushing. But acknowledge you're making this decision with incomplete information about this specific program's track record.

Where Cleary University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (30 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Cleary UniversityHowell	$24,842	$56,804*	—	$25,990*	—
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing	$15,988	$68,103*	$79,866	$23,250*	0.34
Oakland UniversityRochester Hills	$14,694	$61,804*	$78,839	$23,944*	0.39
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant	$14,190	$60,023*	$65,653	$26,672*	0.44
Albion CollegeAlbion	$55,746	$59,926*	—	$24,979*	0.42
Walsh CollegeTroy	—	$58,735*	$60,192	$14,012*	0.24
National Median	—	$53,590*	—	$23,332*	0.44

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cleary University, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 17 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.