Briar Cliff University
Briar Cliff University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Briar Cliff University at a Glance
Briar Cliff University is a private Franciscan university in Sioux City, Iowa.
1930
96 years old
70 acres
Identity
Is Briar Cliff University Worth It?
At a value score of 28/100, Briar Cliff University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,475 — 1% above average — while paying $23,907/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 48% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Briar Cliff University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Briar Cliff University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IA
Ranked #114 of 223 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #2 | Riverside College of Health Sciences | 80 | $20,744 | $66,072 |
| #3 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #4 | Brescia University | 67 | $8,709 | $45,500 |
| #5 | Soka University of America | 67 | $18,260 | $55,017 |
| #6 | Baptist University of Florida | 64 | $10,372 | $42,836 |
| #114 | Briar Cliff University | 28 | $23,907 | $54,475 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Briar Cliff University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in IA.
Best Programs at Briar Cliff University
The highest-earning program at Briar Cliff University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $56,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $44,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Briar Cliff University earns $56,000, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $44,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $18,050 in median debt vs. $23,250 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,907/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $56,000 | $56,000 | $18,050 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,300 | $44,300 | $23,250 |
Similar Colleges in IA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Sioux City, IA
- Student Body
- 624 students
- Graduation Rate
- 48%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,907
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,475
- Median Student Debt
- $23,250