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 gives you a mixed financial picture that leans heavily on which major you pick. The $54,475 median earnings ten years out clears the typical debt load of $23,250, so the average graduate isn't underwater. But the 49.4% graduation rate and 60% retention rate are the real risk: nearly half of you won't finish, and if you leave with debt and no degree, the math turns ugly fast.
Nursing is the clear winner here. At $57,657, it's the only program that beats the school's own median, and Sioux City's regional hospital demand makes those jobs stable and local. Business and accounting land in the high $40Ks, solid returns given accounting comes with just $18,000 in debt. Criminology at $42,682 is workable but tighter. Teacher education is the weak spot at $35,416 , that's below what many jobs requiring no degree pay in the region, and it won't cover your debt comfortably. If teaching is your goal, go in knowing the payoff is thin.
The net price tiers hold a warning. Families earning under $48k actually pay less than middle-income families: the $30-48k bracket pays $17,357, while the $48-75k bracket jumps to $23,260. If you're a middle-income family, you get squeezed hardest here and should compare aid packages against state schools before committing.
This school fits you if you're set on nursing, business, or accounting and confident you'll graduate. Look elsewhere if you're undecided, drawn to teacher education, or in that middle-income band where the net price climbs without a matching aid break. The sub-50% graduation rate means you should have a clear plan to finish before you enroll.
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.