Overview of Briar Cliff University
Briar Cliff University, located in Sioux City, Iowa, is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts institution with a strong commitment to academic excellence, character development, and service to others. Established in 1930 by the Sisters of Saint Francis, Briar Cliff has a rich history of providing a values-based education that prepares students for leadership, service, and success in their chosen fields.
Catholic Franciscan Identity: At the core of Briar Cliff University’s mission is its Catholic Franciscan identity. Rooted in the values of St. Francis of Assisi, the university emphasizes compassion, service, and the pursuit of knowledge as a means to make positive contributions to the world. This Franciscan heritage permeates the campus culture, creating an environment that fosters spiritual growth, social responsibility, and a sense of community.
Academic Programs: Briar Cliff University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university is organized into several academic schools, including the College of Liberal Arts, College of Business and Innovation, and the School of Education. Briar Cliff’s academic offerings span fields such as nursing, business, education, healthcare administration, and the humanities.
The faculty at Briar Cliff are dedicated educators who prioritize student success. With a commitment to small class sizes, faculty members engage with students in meaningful ways, providing individualized attention, mentorship, and opportunities for research and experiential learning.
Health Sciences Programs: Briar Cliff University is known for its strong health sciences programs. The university’s nursing and health-related programs, including physical therapy and occupational therapy, are designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare. The Bishop Mueller Library and modern laboratories contribute to the academic resources available to health sciences students.
The university’s commitment to healthcare education aligns with its mission to address the needs of the community and beyond by producing highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Service Learning and Community Engagement: Briar Cliff University places a strong emphasis on service learning and community engagement. Students are encouraged to integrate academic knowledge with practical experience through service projects, internships, and volunteer opportunities. The Center for Academic Excellence and Innovation supports faculty in incorporating service learning into their courses, creating opportunities for students to make a positive impact in the community.
The university’s commitment to service aligns with its Catholic Franciscan values, emphasizing the importance of social justice, compassion, and a commitment to the common good.
Campus and Facilities: The Briar Cliff University campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, creating a picturesque and welcoming atmosphere. The Stark Student Center, Heelan Hall, and Noonan Hall are among the facilities that support academic, residential, and recreational aspects of campus life.
The Oyate Hall serves as a hub for dining services and social activities, contributing to the sense of community on campus. The university’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its green initiatives and environmentally conscious practices.
Student Life: Briar Cliff University offers a vibrant and engaging student life experience. With a variety of student organizations, clubs, and campus activities, students have ample opportunities to get involved, connect with their peers, and explore their interests. The Chargers, Briar Cliff’s athletic teams, compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), contributing to the school spirit and sense of community.
The Ministry Office at Briar Cliff supports the spiritual development of students, providing opportunities for worship, prayer, and community service. Campus events, such as cultural programs, concerts, and service projects, enhance the overall student experience.
Online Learning: Recognizing the changing landscape of education, Briar Cliff University offers online learning options. The university provides a range of online programs, allowing students to pursue their education in a flexible and accessible format. Online courses at Briar Cliff maintain the same commitment to academic excellence and student support found in traditional on-campus programs.
Diversity and Inclusion: Briar Cliff University values diversity and inclusion, striving to create a campus environment that welcomes students from all backgrounds. The university’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its recruitment efforts, scholarship programs, and initiatives that promote inclusivity on campus.
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at Briar Cliff works to create an environment that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all students.
Alumni Success: Briar Cliff University has a strong and accomplished alumni network. Graduates of Briar Cliff can be found in various professions, including healthcare, education, business, and community leadership. The university’s emphasis on preparing students for successful careers and a lifetime of service is evident in the achievements of its alumni.
Briar Cliff University stands as a Catholic Franciscan institution dedicated to providing a holistic education that integrates faith, learning, and service. With a focus on academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to the values of St. Francis, Briar Cliff continues to play a vital role in shaping the educational experiences and future successes of its students.
3303 Rebecca Street, Box 2100 Sioux City, IA 51104
Phone: (712) 279-5200
Email: admissions@briarcliff.edu
Web site: http://www.briarcliff.edu
Rankings: Briar Cliff University
Located in Sioux City, IA, Briar Cliff University is one of the best universities in the state of Iowa. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Briar Cliff University in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Briar Cliff University.
Briar Cliff University is a private, not-for-profit institution of higher learning located in Sioux City, Iowa. It was founded in 1930 by the Sisters of Saint Francis and has since grown to serve over 1,200 students. The university offers more than fifty undergraduate majors and five graduate programs. Briar Cliff is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is affiliated with the Catholic Church. The university has consistently ranked among the top institutions of higher education in Iowa for its commitment to academic excellence, affordability, and student success. In addition to its impressive rankings from U.S. News & World Report, Briar Cliff has also been recognized for its service-learning opportunities and student support services. Briar Cliff’s mission statement states that it “strives to provide quality education through innovative teaching methods that promote critical thinking, ethical decision-making, leadership development, and lifelong learning within a supportive environment.”
Briar Cliff University strives to provide its students with an exceptional educational experience that will prepare them for their future career paths. The university offers a variety of resources to support student success such as academic advising services, tutoring centers, mentoring programs, and career counseling centers. Additionally, the university offers over one hundred clubs and organizations that allow students to engage in meaningful activities outside of the classroom setting while building relationships with peers who share similar interests or goals. Through its commitment to providing a quality education as well as numerous resources designed to foster student success both inside and outside of the classroom setting; Briar Cliff University continues to be recognized as one of Iowa’s top universities for academic achievement and student satisfaction.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 35 |
| Score: | 56 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.7 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 42 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 66.5% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 50.3% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 20 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 72.6% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 1.9% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 12:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 79.0% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 49 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 19-24 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 12% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 29% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 68.8% |
| Financial resources rank: | 42 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 22 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 22.7% |
Essential Facts: Briar Cliff University
Ranking: #30 Regional College Midwest (2017)
Tuition: $29,800 (2019)
Enrollment: 1,129 (2019)
School colors: Blue · Gold
Founded: 1930
Presidents: Rachelle L. Karstens · Rachelle Karstens
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 56% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 70% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 75% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited, smoking prohibited, other |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NAIA |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track and field (indoor), track and field (outdoor), wrestling |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field (indoor), track and field (outdoor), volleyball |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, drama/theater, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, musical theater, opera, radio station, student government, student newspaper |