CMU vs. Cleary College

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI with Cleary University in Howell, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than Cleary College based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 1,004 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); Cleary University is in Howell, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cleary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; Cleary University 18:1.

CMU vs. Cleary College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU or Cleary College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Central Michigan University than Cleary College ($17,575 vs. $23,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Michigan University are 2.6% lower than at Cleary University ($12,564 vs. $12,900).
• Cleary University is 76.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $11,342 more per year; $26,102.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.8% higher at Cleary College than at Central Michigan University (about $11,342 more per year; $26,102.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cleary University than at Central Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cleary University students is 23.8% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($16,150 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. Cleary College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CMU or Cleary College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Cleary College and CMU.

• Cleary University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 20 points higher than at Cleary College (1060).
• Incoming CMU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 18 at Cleary College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Cleary University 950/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Cleary University 18/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Cleary College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleary College Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Cleary College (3.17).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Cleary College (67.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 28.7% at Cleary College.

CMU vs. Cleary College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU and Cleary College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Cleary University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Central Michigan University's (54%).
• Graduates from Cleary University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than CMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,900 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Michigan University graduates have a $3,227 lower median loan debt than Cleary College graduates ($27,000 vs. $30,227).
• Among borrowers, CMU graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cleary College graduates ($279 vs. $312).
• More CMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleary College students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 47%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.