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Eastern Michigan University vs Cleary University: which has better ROI?

Public, Ypsilanti MI · vs · Private nonprofit, Howell MI

The verdict

Cleary University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $88,572 in 15.2 years versus 18 years at Eastern Michigan University, on median earnings of $54,186 vs $51,793 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureEastern Michigan UniversityCleary University
Net price / yr$15,407$22,143
Total net cost$61,628$88,572
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,793$54,186
Median debt$25,000$19,500
Payback18 yrs15.2 yrs
20-year net return$7,032$27,948

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Eastern Michigan University or Cleary University?

Eastern Michigan University, at $15,407 a year after aid versus $22,143 — a gap of $6,736 a year, or $26,944 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Eastern Michigan University or Cleary University graduates earn more?

Cleary University graduates report a median $54,186 ten years after entry, $2,393 more than the $51,793 at Eastern Michigan University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Eastern Michigan University or Cleary University?

Cleary University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Eastern Michigan University, a difference of $5,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

46% of students finish at Eastern Michigan University, against 41% at Cleary University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Eastern Michigan University vs Cleary University: frequently asked questions

Is Eastern Michigan University or Cleary University a better value?
Cleary University. It clears its $88,572 net cost in about 15.2 years versus 18 years at Eastern Michigan University, on median earnings of $54,186 vs $51,793 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Eastern Michigan University or Cleary University?
Eastern Michigan University: $15,407/yr net price after aid versus $22,143/yr at Cleary University — a difference of $6,736 a year, or about $26,944 over four years.
Do Eastern Michigan University or Cleary University graduates earn more?
Cleary University graduates earn a median $54,186 ten years after entry, versus $51,793 at Eastern Michigan University — a $2,393 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.