At $21,590/yr net price, Briar Cliff University graduates earn $54,475/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,475/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,590 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,360 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,475/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,475/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,435/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,357/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,260/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,338/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,265/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $18,000 |
| 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 | $23,923 |
The Risk Factor
49.4% of students at Briar Cliff University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Briar Cliff University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. Business Administration graduates earn $70,009 annually, making it the clear winner for ROI at this Iowa school. Nursing also pays well at $57,657, providing solid value in a field with strong regional demand in the Midwest healthcare market.
The financial picture deteriorates quickly outside these top programs. Criminology majors earn just $42,682 despite similar debt loads, creating questionable value. With nearly half of students failing to graduate and a concerning 60% retention rate, you face real completion risks that could leave you with debt but no degree.
Your debt load will likely hit $23,250, which remains manageable if you choose high-earning majors like business or nursing. However, this debt becomes problematic in lower-paying programs where earnings barely justify the investment. The $21,590 net price per year means you need to finish quickly to maximize value.
This school works best for career-focused students targeting business or healthcare fields who can leverage Sioux City's regional job market. The small size may provide networking advantages in these sectors. Avoid Briar Cliff if you want to explore majors or need strong academic support, given the low retention rates. Students considering liberal arts or undeclared majors should look elsewhere for better financial outcomes.
Only 29.5% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance. Focus on completing your degree in four years and choosing programs with proven earnings track records to make this investment worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Briar Cliff University worth the cost?
Briar Cliff University's graduates earn $54,475 ten years after enrollment with median debt of $23,250, making it financially manageable for most students. The relatively low graduation rate of 49% means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the best paying majors at Briar Cliff University?
Business administration leads at $70,009 in median earnings, followed by nursing at $57,657. Criminology graduates earn the least at $42,682, which may not justify the debt load.
How much debt do Briar Cliff University graduates have?
The median debt is $23,250, which is reasonable given the $54,475 average earnings ten years out. Students should be able to manage payments if they complete their degree.
Does Briar Cliff University have good financial aid?
With a net price of $21,590 per year, Briar Cliff offers substantial aid that brings costs below many competitors. However, the low graduation rate suggests students should carefully consider their ability to finish the program.