Cleary College vs. Northern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Michigan University is larger than Cleary College based on total student enrollment (7,409 students vs. 1,004 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cleary College vs. Northern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cleary College or Northern Michigan University? 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 Northern Michigan University than Cleary College ($15,707 vs. $23,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cleary University are 2.8% lower than at Northern Michigan University ($12,900 vs. $13,274).
• Cleary University is 82.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Michigan University (about $11,825 more per year; $26,102.00 vs. $14,277.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32% higher at Cleary College than at Northern Michigan University (about $6,329 more per year; $26,102.00 vs. $19,773.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cleary University than at Northern Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cleary University students is 34.4% larger than aid received by Northern Michigan University students ($16,150 vs. $12,012).

Cleary College vs. Northern Michigan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cleary College or Northern Michigan University? 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 Northern Michigan University and Cleary College.

• Cleary University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleary University 950/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleary University 18/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cleary College - Open admission; Northern Michigan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleary College Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Michigan University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Cleary College (3.17).
• Northern Michigan University has a higher acceptance rate (84%) than Cleary College (67.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Cleary College vs. 15.3% at Northern Michigan University.

Cleary College vs. Northern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cleary College and Northern Michigan University? 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 Northern Michigan University's (48%).
• Graduates from Cleary University earn a median of about $16,500 more per year than Northern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,900 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have a $7,935 lower median loan debt than Cleary College graduates ($22,292 vs. $30,227).
• Among borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have an estimated $82 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cleary College graduates ($230 vs. $312).
• More Northern Michigan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleary College students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.