UNLEASH. CREATE. BELONG.
The lifelong learning place preparing
ethical world changers.
In 1929, the 175-foot hill located on the western outskirts of Sioux City, Iowa was covered in only briar patches. But two people, Mother Mary Dominica Wieneke, Major Superior of the Sisters of Saint Francis, and Reverend Edmond Heelan, Bishop of the Sioux City Diocese, had a dream. On March 9, 1929, Mother Dominica and Bishop Heelan met with members of the Sioux City community. Businessmen attending that meeting committed themselves to raise a total of $25,000 to support the establishment of the college in Sioux City.
After this showing of community support, significant events followed in rapid succession. On September 18, 1930, the college, named Briar Cliff after the hill on which it is located, was dedicated. Four days later, 25 women started classes in Heelan Hall, the only building on campus. In 1937, Briar Cliff’s two-year programs were extended to four years. In 1965, 55 men were admitted to Briar Cliff, and co-education was formalized in 1966 with the admission of 150 full-time male students. That year was also the first year that Briar Cliff Athletics began to compete as the Chargers.
Belong at BCU
and experience the difference.
We are the Catholic, Franciscan learning place. Here, each person’s dignity is appreciated and celebrated, providing a powerful sense of community and a place to pursue a private, liberal arts education that shapes more than your resume — it shapes your character.
Throughout the years, Briar Cliff University has remained faithful to both our religious and intellectual traditions. This commitment remains as strong today as the day that we were founded. We are proud to be the only Catholic university in the Diocese of Sioux City. We aim to ensure that Briar Cliff’s mission, vision, and values inform our every endeavor.
1930
BRIAR CLIFF COLLEGE WAS ESTABLISHED
STUDENTS FROM 38 STATES, AMERICAN SAMOA, AND 26 FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
Create your community
on campus
Academics may be the cornerstone of your college experience, but plenty of learning takes place outside the classroom: in the residence halls, through campus activities and organizations, intramurals, campus ministry, athletics, campus jobs, and community service.
At Briar Cliff, you have the opportunity to pursue it all while achieving your educational goals.
With more than 25 student clubs and organizations on campus along with dozens of activities, you will find countless ways to get involved.
Explore Siouxland
and find your home away from home.
Located on the river at the intersection of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota, Sioux City is a natural hub for business and industry in the region. Some nearby Siouxland staples include Palmer Candy, Sue Bee Honey, Jolly Time Popcorn, and Blue Bunny Ice Cream.
As the fourth largest city in Iowa, the metropolitan area of Siouxland is home to a population of more than 169,000 individuals, various higher education institutions, two hospitals, and countless employment and entertainment opportunities. Located on a secluded clifftop, our unique campus location offers you the advantages of the vibrant Sioux City community while providing a safe, small, caring campus environment.
4th
LARGEST CITY IN IOWA
Schedule your visit to campus today.
169,000+
PEOPLE IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA
Interested in Charger Athletics?
Briar Cliff University Athletics supports 20 programs, with more than 500 student-athletes wearing the Charger Blue and Gold in competition. The Chargers are part of the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Since 1966, Briar Cliff University athletics have been represented in 12 national championships, 19 GPAC championships, and 61 NAIA tournament appearances. Further, the Chargers have claimed 243 All-Americans and 763 scholar-athletes.
Men’s Sports Baseball
Basketball
Bowling Cross Country Football
Women’s Sports Basketball
Bowling Cross Country Golf
Co-Ed
Explore athletic programs Dance
Invest in your future and learn about financial aid opportunities.
100% OF FIRST-TIME, FULL-TIME BRIAR CLIFF STUDENTS RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID
$13K AVERAGE STUDENT AID AWARDED
The true value of a personalized educational opportunity cannot be overstated. A Briar Cliff education is an investment with a high return. Employers from across the region, country, and globe seek out our graduates. BCU students moving forward to graduate school are often better prepared than others.
At Briar Cliff University, our Financial Aid team is dedicated to doing everything we can to offer our incoming and current undergraduate students countless scholarship and financial aid opportunities to help ensure your education investment is affordable.
Types of Aid
Merit and Situational Scholarships
• Presidential Scholarship
• Board of Trustees Promise Scholarship
• Bishop’s Scholarship
• Academic Scholarship
• Legacy Scholarships
• Annual and Endowed Scholarships
• Catholic Connection Scholarship
• Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota Tuition Commitment
• Dual-to-Degree Scholarship
• And More!
Talent and Action-Based Scholarships
• Music Scholarships
• Athletic Scholarships
• Visual Arts & Design Scholarship
All future and current Chargers are encouraged to apply for any outside or private scholarship opportunities that could be applied to Briar Cliff University expenses.
Explore BCU’s financial resources
Build friendships while living on campus.
You’ll feel the BCU difference with your first step on campus. It’s a sense you belong - that you matter. You’ll find it hard to explain and even more impossible to forget. Life on The Cliff goes beyond where you eat, sleep, and play. It’s the place where you’ll create and find a network of people to support you and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Living on campus is convenient and affordable. The University’s residence halls vary in size and atmosphere. You’ll find apartment-style rooms in the Baxter DiGiovanni Center and traditional residence-style rooms in the recently renovated Alverno Hall. Our residence halls are more than a place to rest your head at night, they’re the place you’ll make lifelong friends and unforgettable memories.
Discover your place living on campus
Discover a world of opportunities awaiting you at BCU and
unleash your potential!
Our dedicated and experienced faculty are with you every step of the way, giving you a personalized education to go beyond just speaking, reading, and writing fluently. You will gain a deep cultural understanding of your future co-workers, patients, clients, and customers. At BCU, you’ll have the opportunity to experience it all.
Be part of a small community built on big outcomes and experience a welcoming campus that combines rich academics with a tradition of service. You’ll gain real world experience and have the opportunity for internships at companies nationwide. We are outcomes focused with state-of-the-art labs and unparalleled resources.
Explore the endless possibilities
Degree Programs
Undergraduate
Accounting
Behavior Analysis
Biochemistry
Biology
Business Administration
Chemistry
Computer Science
Criminal Justice
Data Analytics
Elementary Education
Engineering
Environmental Science
Finance
Graphic Design
History
Human Performance
Human Performance and Management
International Business
K-12 Education
Art
Music
Physical Education
Marketing
Mass Communication
Math
Nursing
Psychology
Radiologic Technology
Secondary Education
Social Work
Spanish Interpretation and Translation
Sports Information
Sports Management
Theology
Pre-Professional
Chiropractic
Dentistry
Engineering
Law
Medicine
Pharmacy
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Veterinary Medicine
Graduate
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Master of Healthcare Administration
Master of Arts in Management
Human Resource Management
Leadership
Sports Management
Nurse Practitioner
Lead your own path
College is about discovering who you are and what you want to be. It’s about meeting new people and seeing new perspectives. It’s about trying something different and having a spectacular time. Apply today to learn everything Briar Cliff University has to offer you!
YOUR ADMISSIONS CHECKLIST
Complete an Application for Admission.
Send your high school transcripts and ACT/SAT score. Briar Cliff’s ACT code is 1276.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Briar Cliff’s code is 001846.
Receive and review your financial aid award. Financial aid packages will be mailed shortly after your FAFSA information is received.
Submit your enrollment deposit.
Reserve your residence hall by submitting your housing application.
Sign up for New Student Orientation.
Move to the Cliff.
Begin classes.