Analysis
Michigan's MIS programs cluster in the $59,000-$68,000 range for first-year earnings, and similar programs across the state suggest Cleary's outcomes land right at the state median of approximately $62,700. This places the program solidly in the middle of Michigan's competitive landscape—above Wayne State but below Central Michigan and U-M Dearborn. The estimated debt load of $26,581 aligns closely with what comparable programs produce statewide.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 means graduates would dedicate roughly five months of their first year's salary to student loans—a manageable scenario that typically allows for reasonable repayment without derailing other financial goals. For a field where technical skills translate directly into corporate demand, this represents a straightforward value proposition. MIS graduates generally find work in IT departments, business analysis roles, or systems implementation—positions that exist across Michigan's diverse economy from Detroit's automotive sector to Grand Rapids' manufacturing base.
The key limitation here is uncertainty: these figures come from peer programs, not Cleary's actual graduate outcomes. If your child is seriously considering this program, ask the school's career services office about their specific placement rates and starting salaries for recent MIS graduates. The estimates suggest reasonable value, but you'll want confirmation that Cleary's graduates are actually achieving results similar to other Michigan programs before committing.
Where Cleary University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $24,842 | $62,697* | — | $26,581* | — | |
| $14,190 | $68,088* | $82,839 | $27,000* | 0.40 | |
| $14,944 | $65,211* | $82,433 | $25,610* | 0.39 | |
| $14,694 | $65,128* | $72,305 | $26,000* | 0.40 | |
| $18,392 | $60,266* | — | $28,000* | 0.46 | |
| $14,297 | $59,352* | $74,781 | $23,250* | 0.39 | |
| National Median | — | $59,490* | — | $24,000* | 0.40 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with management information systems and services graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Computer Programmers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
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 6 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.