Students at Briar Cliff University achieve earnings that consistently exceed expectations, with graduates earning about $2,800 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide.
The university's focused approach to career preparation, particularly in nursing and business fields, helps explain its above-average financial outcomes despite serving many first-generation college students.
Briar Cliff University is a small private nonprofit institution in Sioux City, Iowa, that focuses on providing personalized education with strong career outcomes in key professional fields. While the university serves a diverse student body—with about 30% receiving Pell Grants and 36% being first-generation college students—it delivers above-average earnings outcomes that place it in the 62nd percentile nationally for long-term financial returns.
The university's strength lies in its focused program portfolio, particularly in nursing and business administration, where graduates achieve solid career placement and earnings. Nursing graduates earn a median of $57,657 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in the region. Business administration, the university's largest program with 25 graduates, produces median earnings of $47,650, demonstrating consistent career preparation across the institution's core offerings.
As a small private college, Briar Cliff provides the intimate learning environment and faculty mentorship that many students need to succeed, particularly those who are the first in their families to attend college. The university's focus on practical, career-oriented programs helps students transition effectively from college to professional roles, contributing to its above-average earnings performance despite serving a student population that includes many from modest economic backgrounds.
Briar Cliff University's program portfolio centers on practical, career-focused fields that connect directly to regional employer needs. Nursing stands out as both the largest and highest-earning program, graduating 48 students annually with median earnings of $57,657 ten years after enrollment. This program represents the university's strongest return on investment, combining substantial enrollment with professional salaries that reflect the ongoing demand for healthcare workers in Iowa and surrounding states.
Business Administration serves as the university's second-largest program with 25 graduates earning median salaries of $47,650, providing solid preparation for management and professional roles across various industries. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, while smaller with 23 graduates, shows more modest earnings at $33,281, reflecting the different career pathways and salary structures in fitness, wellness, and related fields.
The concentration in nursing and business reflects Briar Cliff's strategic focus on programs with clear career outcomes and strong regional employer relationships. As a small institution, the university can maintain close industry partnerships and provide personalized career guidance that helps students transition effectively from academic programs to professional roles. This targeted approach, while limiting program breadth, allows the university to deliver consistent career preparation and job placement support in its core areas of strength.
Briar Cliff University graduates achieve solid long-term earnings that exceed typical expectations for a small private college. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $54,475, with the university showing positive earnings beyond expectations of about $2,807 compared with similar students at other institutions. This performance places Briar Cliff in the 62nd percentile nationally for return on investment, reflecting the university's effectiveness in preparing students for stable, well-paying careers.
The university's strongest financial outcomes come from its nursing program, which graduates 48 students annually with median earnings of $57,657 ten years out. This program represents the highest aggregate return among all majors, combining substantial enrollment with strong pay outcomes that reflect robust demand for healthcare professionals. Business Administration, the university's largest program with 25 graduates, produces median earnings of $47,650, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates earn around $33,281, showing the variation in outcomes across different career paths.
Briar Cliff's focused program portfolio concentrates on fields with clear career pathways and regional employer demand. The university's small size allows for strong industry partnerships and personalized career guidance, helping students transition effectively from academic programs to professional roles. This targeted approach contributes to the university's ability to deliver earnings that consistently outperform expectations, particularly valuable for students seeking predictable career outcomes in healthcare, business, and related professional fields.
Briar Cliff University's affordability varies significantly by family income, with the most support directed toward lower-income students. Low-income families pay about $19,435 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $23,260, and higher-income families pay approximately $25,265. These net prices reflect the university's commitment to making private education accessible, though costs remain higher than typical public alternatives.
The university's financial aid approach helps many students manage the cost of attendance through a combination of institutional grants and federal aid. Students typically graduate with about $23,250 in federal loan debt, a moderate level that aligns with the university's focus on career-oriented programs that lead to stable employment. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $14,608, reflecting additional family investment in the private college experience.
What makes Briar Cliff's costs more manageable is the strong career preparation that leads to reliable post-graduation employment. With graduates earning a median of $54,475 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard loan repayment without significant financial strain. The university's small size and personalized approach help ensure students complete their degrees efficiently, avoiding the additional costs that come with extended enrollment periods common at larger institutions.
Briar Cliff University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
