Cleary University Earns Gold Veteran-Friendly Status

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency honored the school for its consistent support of military-connected students.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Military Jobs

Cleary University Earns Gold Veteran-Friendly Status

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Cleary University has been awarded Gold Level Veteran-Friendly School status by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. This marks the fifth consecutive year the institution has received the state's highest designation.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the university's commitment to maintaining specialized environments and resources for veterans. Meeting these state standards ensures military-connected learners have access to specific career support and educational benefits.

Cleary University ranks as the fourth-largest private university in Michigan for veterans served. The institution maintains a 50 percent tuition match program for eligible students.

The players

Cleary University

A private university that provides business and technology-focused education to students.

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

The state government organization responsible for veteran resources and school certifications in Michigan.

The details

To achieve this status, Cleary met all seven state-mandated criteria, including established student identification processes, active veteran-specific clubs, and dedicated career services. The university further supports these students by offering a tuition match and granting academic credit for military service.

Timeline

  1. The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency established the VFS program in 2015.

  2. Cleary University received the gold award in October 2026.

Market Landscape

Cleary University differentiates its academic offerings by catering to the specific needs of veterans, positioning itself against larger state institutions. This focus on military-connected students captures a distinct demographic segment within the competitive Michigan private higher education market.

Eligible military-connected students can utilize a 50 percent tuition match program at the university to lower their out-of-pocket educational costs. Prospective students may also benefit from the institution's commitment to awarding academic credit for their years of service.

The takeaway

Schools that earn gold veteran-friendly status demonstrate a verified commitment to specialized career and academic services for those who served. Veterans researching degree programs should prioritize institutions that offer explicit tuition matching and credit-for-service policies.

Further reading

Learn more about support programs available to Michigan Military Jobs in the state.

Source note: This article includes information reported by WHMI 93.5 FM.

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Should colleges be formally recognized for the specialized services they provide to military veterans?