About Briar Cliff University
The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $21,590 after aid, well below the sticker price of $35,534 tuition. Graduates earn a median of $54,475 ten years after graduation, though early career earnings start lower at $43,017 after one year. Students typically leave with $23,250 in debt and monthly payments of $246. The loan repayment rate of 65.59% suggests some graduates struggle to manage payments despite strong employment prospects.
Athletics play a major role in campus life. Nearly two-thirds of students compete as Chargers across 15 varsity sports, with $4.6 million in athletic scholarships supporting teams. The retention rate of 60.34% reflects challenges keeping students engaged, though those who stay find strong career preparation. Housing capacity of 383 beds accommodates most students seeking the full residential experience.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 63.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.4%
- Retention Rate
- 60.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,475
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $70,009 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,657 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,650 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,397 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,416 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
Campus Life
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you're absent. Athletes make up a significant portion of campus life, with 410 students competing in 15 varsity sports as the Chargers. The Catholic identity shapes campus culture through service opportunities and spiritual life programming, though students from all backgrounds attend. Weekends often center around athletic events, especially volleyball and basketball games. Students frequently head to downtown Sioux City for restaurants and entertainment, or take road trips to Omaha for bigger city experiences. The small size means student organizations rely heavily on member participation to thrive.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 383 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1930
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 8°–29°F
- July Avg
- 63°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 30.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 51.3%
- Women
- 48.7%
- White
- 57.4%
- Black
- 7.2%
- Hispanic
- 16.1%
- Asian
- 0.6%
- In-State Students
- 33.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.5%
Location
- Address
- Sioux City, Iowa 51104
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,475
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,117
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 65.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Briar Cliff University?
While specific acceptance data isn't available, the 60.34% retention rate suggests Briar Cliff maintains selective admissions standards while focusing on fit. The small enrollment of 626 students allows the Catholic university to provide personalized attention during the admissions process.
How much does Briar Cliff University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,590 annually despite the $35,534 sticker price. The school awards institutional grants averaging $26,614 to 26.84% of students, making this Catholic education more affordable than the published tuition suggests.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Briar Cliff University?
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio reflects Briar Cliff's commitment to small class sizes and individual mentoring. This intimate academic environment supports the university's focus on health sciences and education programs where hands-on learning is essential.
What are graduates earning after attending Briar Cliff University?
Alumni earn a median of $54,475 ten years after graduation with a strong 98.8% employment rate. The $23,250 median debt load and $246 monthly loan payments are manageable given the career-focused programs in high-demand fields.
Where do most students live at Briar Cliff University?
With housing capacity for 383 students out of 626 total enrollment, about 61% can live on campus. The small-city Sioux City setting provides a safe environment where students from across the region can build close community bonds.
How strong are athletics at Briar Cliff University?
The Chargers field 15 varsity sports with 410 total athletes, meaning nearly two-thirds of students compete at the NJCAA level. The university invests $4.6 million in athletic scholarships, demonstrating how sports integrate with the school's emphasis on developing well-rounded graduates.
