Briar Cliff University
The Vibe Check
Briar Cliff University feels like a tight-knit, supportive community where you are known by name, not just a student ID. The hilltop campus offers a peaceful, green oasis with a strong sense of Franciscan values, fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all students.
Academics & Majors
The university excels in practical, career-focused majors like Health Professions, Business, and Biology, with a strong liberal arts core. Classes are small, ensuring personalized attention from faculty who are dedicated teachers first and researchers second, providing mentorship rather than just lecturing.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Sioux City
Students enjoy Sioux City's vibrant arts and culture scene, including the Sioux City Art Center and the Orpheum Theatre. For fun, you can explore the historic downtown district, catch a concert or a Sioux City Explorers baseball game, or enjoy the extensive riverfront trails for biking and walking.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($54,475):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is considered very safe, with its own campus security force and a quiet, residential setting on a hill. Sioux City is a typical mid-sized urban area, and students are advised to practice standard city awareness, especially at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Extremely small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors.
- ✓ Strong, practical programs in high-demand fields like nursing and business.
- ✓ Significantly lower net price than the sticker tuition due to generous aid.
- ✓ A safe, close-knit campus community with a supportive atmosphere.
Cons
- ✗ Very low graduation (45.8%) and retention (60.3%) rates are a significant concern.
- ✗ Limited campus size and resources may feel restrictive for some students.
- ✗ Location in Sioux City may offer fewer internship opportunities than a major metro.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Briar Cliff is known for its strong programs in Health Professions (especially nursing), Biology, and Business, all within a supportive, Franciscan Catholic learning environment. The university emphasizes service, personal development, and providing a hands-on education in small, personalized classes.
No, Briar Cliff University has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to most applicants. The university focuses on providing opportunities for students who may not have the highest test scores but show potential for success in a supportive environment. While it's not selective, a complete application with a strong personal statement is still recommended.
Campus life is intimate and community-focused, with a residential feel where students often know each other by name. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, NCAA Division II athletics, and service opportunities that align with the university's Franciscan values. The hilltop campus provides a peaceful setting, while Sioux City offers nearby urban amenities for off-campus fun.
For students who value a small, supportive community and are pursuing high-demand fields like healthcare or business, Briar Cliff can be a worthwhile investment. The average net price of $21,590 is considerably lower than the sticker price, and the median 10-year earnings of $54,475 suggest a reasonable return, especially for in-state students seeking a personalized education.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 750
- In-State Tuition $35,534
- Zip Code 51104
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $21,590, the cost is significantly lower than the sticker price, especially after grants and scholarships. The 10-year median earnings of $54,475 provide a solid return on investment for a private university, particularly for high-demand fields like health professions and business in the Midwest.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.