At Cleary University, we believe in offering benefits that go beyond the workplace and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our employees. One of the most impactful benefits we offer is the Tuition Exchange (TE) Program, an initiative that can open doors to higher education for both employees and their families—often without the financial strain that usually comes with it.
The Tuition Exchange Program is available to all full-time and part-time employees at Cleary University and their eligible dependents.
A real-life example of the TE program’s value comes from Cleary’s own Chief of Staff, Katee Cole. Her son, Michael Cole, is a junior at Kettering University, and thanks to the TE program, 100% of his tuition is covered—saving the family nearly $50,000 per year.
The Application Process: Easy and Rewarding
According to Katee, applying for the Tuition Exchange was refreshingly simple. “The application took minutes and was very easy to complete,” she said. What’s more, there was no waiting period between Katee’s hiring at Cleary and applying for the program on behalf of her son.
Katee also took the time to do some research on which schools accept TE and found that there were numerous options, including top-tier institutions that offer Michael’s chosen field of study—Mechanical Engineering. After submitting the application in October, it was simply a matter of waiting until the spring for the offer letter.
“To save my son six figures in student loans over the life of his program is worth the effort,” Katee said. “We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the schools and programs offered.”
An Incredible Financial Opportunity
Before enrolling at Kettering, Michael spent his first two years at Western Michigan University, with his parents covering the tuition. As the family looked ahead, Michael knew he would have to take out student loans to complete his degree. That all changed when they decided to take advantage of the TE program. Michael transferred to Kettering and secured a full-ride scholarship for the remainder of his undergraduate studies.
“It seemed too good to be true until we got the letter offering a full tuition discount,” Katee added. This incredible opportunity will save Michael from accruing tens of thousands of dollars in student debt—a financial burden that many graduates face.
A Benefit for All Cleary Employees
The Tuition Exchange Program is available to all full-time and part-time employees at Cleary University, and their dependents. The potential savings for your family’s education could be significant. With more than 600 participating institutions across the country—including many here in Michigan—there are plenty of academic and career pathways to explore.
In addition to Katee’s story, several other Cleary team members are also benefiting from the program. Brett Rogers’ son is in his third year at Albion College with 100% of his tuition covered, and Wensdy Von Buskirk’s son is currently applying to film schools at Columbia College and DePaul, thanks to the TE program.
How to Get Started
If you or your dependents are interested in taking advantage of the Tuition Exchange Program, the process is simple. First, contact our HR department to verify your eligibility. Once confirmed, you can submit your application through the Tuition Exchange website, then apply to the participating school of your choice. After your application is processed, the institution will inform you of the acceptance into the TE program.
This benefit can be a life-changing opportunity for you and your family. We encourage you to explore how the Tuition Exchange Program can help with your family’s educational goals. For more information or assistance with the application process, please reach out to our HR department.
At Cleary University, we’re proud to offer this program as a way to invest in our employees and their families, making higher education more accessible and affordable.
This is a great example of how working at Cleary University provides not just career opportunities but also substantial financial benefits that extend to our employees’ families. As Katee Cole and others can attest, the Tuition Exchange Program is a remarkable resource—don’t miss the chance to take full advantage!
