Cleary University: A Legacy of Business Education and Accreditation
Cleary University, a private institution with a strong focus on business education, has a rich history in Michigan. Founded in 1883 by Patrick Roger (P.R.) Cleary, an Irish immigrant, as The Cleary School of Penmanship, the university has evolved over the past 140 years to meet the changing needs of the marketplace. Cleary's initial vision was to provide a vital business education, offering opportunities for students to develop competitive skills. This legacy continues today on Cleary’s campuses.
A History of Growth and Adaptation
Cleary University's journey reflects its commitment to providing relevant and accessible education. The institution has undergone several transformations, evolving in name and location to become Cleary Business College in 1912, and later, Cleary University in 2002, when it introduced graduate programs.
Owen J. Cleary, who became president in 1940, further cemented the university's legacy. His election as Michigan Secretary of State in 1952 while simultaneously leading Cleary College underscores the institution's significant role in the state.
In 2012, Cleary reintroduced its collegiate athletic program with men’s and women’s cross country and golf teams, adding another dimension to the student experience.
From its humble beginnings in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Cleary University has expanded its reach, with a main campus in Livingston County and an education center in Detroit. This expansion demonstrates the university's dedication to serving diverse communities and providing accessible education.
Read also: Your Guide to the Cleary Portal
Accreditation: A Mark of Quality
Accreditation is a critical aspect of any higher education institution, serving as a validation that the degree programs meet acceptable levels of quality. In the United States, accreditation is granted by accrediting organizations, as well as state and federal governmental agencies. Cleary University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a testament to its commitment to academic excellence. As a proud member of the HLC Standard Pathway, Cleary adheres to rigorous standards of quality and continuous improvement.
The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for several universities in Michigan. The latest accreditation action concerning Eastern Michigan University occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. Most students who attend Eastern Michigan University are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913. The latest accreditation action concerning University of Michigan-Ann Arbor occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. Most students who attend University of Michigan-Ann Arbor are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for Jackson College. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1933. The latest accreditation action concerning Jackson College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. Most students who attend Jackson College are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and all programs completed were offered online. The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for Washtenaw Community College. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1973. The latest accreditation action concerning Washtenaw Community College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. Most students who attend Washtenaw Community College are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and some programs completed were offered online. The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for Siena Heights University. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1940. The latest accreditation action concerning Siena Heights University occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. Most students who attend Siena Heights University are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for Spring Arbor University. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1960. The latest accreditation action concerning Spring Arbor University occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. Most students who attend Spring Arbor University are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online. The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for Adrian College. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1958. The latest accreditation action concerning Adrian College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. Most students who attend Adrian College are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Accreditation can be institutional or programmatic. Institutional accreditation evaluates the overall quality and integrity of an institution, while programmatic accreditation focuses on specific degree programs. In Cleary University’s case, its accreditation by the HLC signifies that the entire institution meets the commission's standards for academic quality, governance, and resources.
Cleary University is also an approved institution by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Furthermore, Cleary University has been approved by the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
Recognition and Rankings
Cleary University has garnered recognition for its commitment to providing quality education and preparing students for success in the workforce. OnlineMastersDegrees.org ranked Cleary as one of the best schools in the US for the following: MBA online Leadership degree program: ranked ninth best school in the US, MBA online degree program (in Michigan): ranked #9 in the entire state, MBA online Human Resources program: ranked #15 in the country.
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University Headquarters (HQ), an industry-leading, educational organization that provides independent college rankings, also ranked Cleary a top 25 school in Michigan. University HQ considers many factors when determining its best college rankings every year, including accreditation, admissions, retention rates, tuition costs, degrees offered and graduation rates. The organization uses a proprietary formula to create unbiased rankings.
Cleary University also placed first in the state for earnings one year after graduation and 10 years after graduation, according to data from The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP).
These rankings reflect Cleary University's dedication to providing a valuable education that leads to positive outcomes for its graduates.
The Cleary Mind and Curriculum
Cleary University distinguishes itself through its unique Business Arts curriculum, which is designed to cultivate "The Cleary Mind" attributes in its students. These attributes include critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, entrepreneurship, persuasion, and ethical leadership.
According to Alan Drimmer, PhD, Cleary president, employers seek Cleary graduates because they possess these essential skills and are well-prepared for the demands of the modern workplace.
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The university's curriculum is aligned with the labor market, ensuring that students acquire the knowledge and skills that are in high demand by employers. This focus on practical application and career readiness contributes to Cleary graduates' success in landing jobs faster and earning higher starting salaries.
Focus on Student Success
Cleary University is committed to providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed. The university offers a variety of programs and services, including:
- Financial Aid: The Office of Financial Aid encourages all students to apply for assistance, regardless of their perceived eligibility.
- Small Class Sizes: Personalized attention and learning opportunities from business leaders enhance the learning experience.
- Online Programs: Flexible online learning options cater to the needs of working professionals and students with other responsibilities.
- Career Services: Academic counseling and career placement services help students achieve their professional goals.
- Accelerated Degree Program: Cleary also established an accelerated degree program for first responders including police, fire and EMS providers.
Cleary University also offers a no cost or low cost tuition rate called the Cougar Country Promise for students living anywhere in Michigan.
A Welcoming Environment for Veterans
Cleary University is dedicated to serving military-connected students and has earned recognition for its veteran-friendly programs. The university has been named a "Best for Vets College" by Military Times and has received Gold Level Veteran-Friendly status from The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for its continued excellence in serving military-connected students.
Athletics at Cleary University
The Cleary athletic teams are called the Cougars. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) for most of its sports since the 2018-19 academic year; while its men's wrestling program competes in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC). They were also a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) from 2012-13 (when the school re-instated back its athletics program) to 2018-19. Cleary competes in 17 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include basketball, baseball, bowling, cross country, golf, hockey, soccer, track & field, and wrestling. Women's sports include basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, softball and track & field; and co-ed sports include eSports.
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