Briar Cliff University brand mark

Briar Cliff University

Sioux City, United States • Founded 1930

Updated Jun 2026 · Source: briarcliff.edu

Overview

English Name: Briar Cliff University
Acronyms: BCU
Founded: 1930
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Catholic
Motto: Mater Gratiae Caritas
Colours: Blue and gold
Briar Cliff University principal campus
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Established in 1930, the Briar Cliff University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Sioux City (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Iowa.

Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Briar Cliff University (BCU) is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Briar Cliff University (BCU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

The acceptance rate range is 100% making this US higher education organization a non-selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

BCU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Below are Briar Cliff University's address, location, and primary contact channels.

Address: 3303 Rebecca Street
Postal Code: 51104
Map:
Phone: +1 (712) 279 5321
Fax: +1 (712) 279-1632
Social Media:

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Briar Cliff University are listed below.

Recognition: Higher Learning Commission
Total Students: 624
Academic Staff Range: 100-199
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

Academic Structures

Briar Cliff University's faculties, schools, and constituent units are listed below.

Unit 18 items
  • Department of Art
  • Department of Biology
  • Department of Business
  • Department of Chemistry
  • Department of Computer Science
  • Department of Digital Media
  • Department of Education
  • Department of History
  • Department of Kinesiology and Human Performance
  • Department of Mathematics
  • Department of Modern Languages
  • Department of Music
  • Department of Nursing
  • Department of Physical Therapy*
  • Department of Psychology
  • Department of Social Work
  • Department of Sociology and Criminology
  • Department of Theology and Philosophy

Programs Offered

Every programme Briar Cliff University currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable.

58 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 44 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Bachelor's Degree in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies

Showing 10 of 44.

Master's Degree 8 programmes

Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Master's Degree in Education, General
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
Health Sciences
Master's Degree in Human Resources Management and Services
Human Resource Management
Master's Degree in Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing
Master's Degree in Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
Sport and Exercise Science

Doctorate 2 programmes

Doctorate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing
Doctorate in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rehabilitation Sciences

Professional Doctorate 2 programmes

Professional Doctorate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing
Professional Doctorate in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rehabilitation Sciences

Associate's Degree 1 programme

Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts

Postgraduate Certificate 1 programme

Postgraduate Certificate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing

How to apply to Briar Cliff University

What applying to Briar Cliff University involves, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Briar Cliff University offers 58 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Each programme at Briar Cliff University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Apply directly via Briar Cliff University's online portal at www.briarcliff.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (712) 279 5321. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Briar Cliff University

Quick reference for Briar Cliff University: founding, control type, and recognition status.

In what year was Briar Cliff University established?

Briar Cliff University was founded in 1930 (approximately 96 years ago).

Where is Briar Cliff University located?

Briar Cliff University is located in Sioux City, United States.

Is Briar Cliff University public or private?

It is a private higher-education institution.

What is the student enrolment at Briar Cliff University?

Student enrolment at Briar Cliff University is around 624.

What is Briar Cliff University's religious tradition?

Yes, Briar Cliff University is affiliated with Christian-Catholic.

How is Briar Cliff University organised academically?

The institution comprises 18 academic units.

Is Briar Cliff University officially recognised?

Yes, Briar Cliff University is recognised by Higher Learning Commission.

What is Briar Cliff University's official website?

Briar Cliff University's official website is www.briarcliff.edu.

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Members of Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)

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