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Briar Cliff University

Sioux City, IA·Private nonprofit·624 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access and students from lower-income families. freshman retention is below 65%. financial aid brings net price below sticker; 53% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

N/A
Accept
624
Students
$23,907
Net Price
48%
Grad Rate
$44,400
Earnings
10 yr
$23,250
Debt

About This School

Briar Cliff University is a private nonprofit institution located in Sioux City, Iowa with approximately 624 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $23,907 per year. The graduation rate is 48%, 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
Religious Affiliation
Roman Catholic
Avg Faculty Salary
$6,888

Popular Programs

Health Professions19%
Business & Marketing18%
Education10%
Biological Sciences9%
Psychology5%
Visual & Performing Arts2%
Communications1%

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
$36,956
Out-of-State Tuition
$36,956
Avg Net Price
$23,907
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$17,764
$30–48k$14,604
$48–75k$25,516
$75–110k$30,156
$110k+$27,328

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants53%
Median debt at graduation$23,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
48%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
64%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$38,600
Female graduates$35,700

Gap: 8% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$37,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.9x

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

White59%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino15%
Asian1%
Two or more races4%
American Indian/Alaska Native1%
International13%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (624 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.
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