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Briar Cliff University

Sioux City, IA·Private nonprofit·626 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. freshman retention is below 65%. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

N/A
Accept
626
Students
$21,590
Net Price
49%
Grad Rate
$44,400
Earnings
10 yr
$15,506
Debt

About This School

Briar Cliff University is a private nonprofit institution located in Sioux City, Iowa with approximately 626 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $21,590 per year. The graduation rate is 49%, and the typical graduate earns $44,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Briar Cliff University is a private Franciscan university in Sioux City, Iowa.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 49% graduation rate and 60% freshman retention rate suggest that nearly half of students who start don't finish, which is a real concern worth discussing before committing. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively modest $15,506, and the Franciscan, small-campus environment (just 626 undergrads) suits students who want close faculty relationships and a tight-knit community. Worth considering if you're a self-motivated student who thrives with personal attention — but have an honest conversation about what support structures exist to help you reach the finish line.

Founded
1930
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Biological Sciences20%
Health Professions19%
Business & Marketing17%
Psychology6%
Education5%
Mathematics3%
Physical Sciences2%
Computer Science1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Irma P. Hall

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$35,534
Out-of-State Tuition
$35,534
Avg Net Price
$21,590
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants30%
Median debt at graduation$15,506

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
49%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
60%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,506
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,506
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$37,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.9x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White57%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino16%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (626 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Briar Cliff University

3303 Rebecca Street

Sioux City, IA 51104

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Iowa

Browse all Iowa schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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