Cleary University has two campuses: one in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the second in Howell, Michigan. They have a lot to offer students who want to focus on business-related fields, like myself. While I stayed at Cleary for my BBA, there are a few things I wish I had known before choosing to attend.
1.) The system they have in place for taking classes is both appealing and disappointing.
Classes are generally taken in specific order and if you deviate from the plan it can be difficult to get back on track. They do this so that you are with the same group of students throughout your time at Cleary. Often you will work with the same people over and over on different team building exercises and group graded projects. Personally, I like to get credit for the work I do and I do not like being penalized for the laziness of others, which can happen frequently with the amount of group work.
2.) The time frame for completing a class.
Cleary does not offer standard 15-week courses like typical universities. Each class is 6 weeks long. While you still take four courses a semester like a regular university, the classes are divided so that you only take two classes at a time. This can be both convenient and overwhelming.
3.) Students can take half of their classes online.
Cleary sets up schedules so that students go to school one night a week for 4 hours, or four credit hours. The second class is completely done online. While you must log in at least once a week to participate, you can complete work when it is most convenient for you.
4.) Cleary University is a nonprofit school, not a state university.
While the idea of a private nonprofit school sounds appealing, there are a number of financial drawbacks. Though the classes are not much more expensive than some public universities, there are a number of services not offered. One thing that is important to know is that there are no dorms. There are affordable apartments in Ypsilanti, which neighbors Ann Arbor, but it is important to do some research before choosing where to live.
5.) The DROP/ADD Period is short.
Cleary does not have the typical period allowing students to change classes, add or drop, or withdraw. Because the classes are only six weeks, the period to add or drop, get a refund, or make any changes is swift. Financial aid distributions are not given out at the beginning of the semester and are broken into two payments. This is the students’ biggest complaint. Cleary University is a very fast-paced school, which can be both good and bad, depending on your personality and work ethic.
Stephanie Annis received a BBA in Business Management from Cleary University in 2007. She is an entrepreneur and lives in Las Vegas.
Key takeaways
- Cleary University has two campuses, in Ann Arbor and Howell, Michigan, and focuses on business-related fields like the author's BBA.
- Classes are six weeks long rather than the standard 15, so students take two classes at a time instead of the usual four-course load.
- Half of each student's classes can be taken online, including a one-night-a-week on-campus class for four credit hours with at least a weekly login.
- Cleary is a private nonprofit school with no dorms, so students look for affordable apartments in neighboring Ypsilanti.
- The drop/add period is short because classes only run six weeks, and financial aid arrives in two payments rather than one upfront distribution.
Frequently asked questions
- How many campuses does Cleary University have?
- Two: one in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and one in Howell, Michigan, with a focus on business-related fields.
- How long is a class at Cleary University?
- Six weeks, not the standard 15-week format. Students still take four courses a semester, but the schedule is divided so you only take two classes at a time.
- Can Cleary students take classes online?
- Yes, half of them. Students attend school one night a week for 4 credit hours, and the second class is completed online with at least a weekly login.
- Does Cleary University have dorms?
- No. Cleary is a private nonprofit school, not a state university, and there are no dorms. Affordable apartments are available in Ypsilanti, which neighbors Ann Arbor.
- What is the drop/add period like at Cleary?
- Short. Because classes are only six weeks, the window to add or drop, get a refund, or make changes is swift, and financial aid is paid in two distributions rather than at the start of the semester.
- Why does the author find the class schedule both appealing and disappointing?
- Classes are taken in a specific order and students often work with the same classmates on group projects, which the author likes for team building but dislikes because getting off the plan is hard and group laziness can penalize you.
- Is tuition at Cleary much higher than at public universities?
- No. Though Cleary is a private nonprofit school, its classes are not much more expensive than some public universities, but a number of services are not offered.
Sources
- Cleary University, linked in the original post