Discover Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, Iowa
Briar Cliff University is a 4 year or higher State Institution. It is a public and non-profit institution. The institution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Briar Cliff University graduates 51% of its students.
Contact Info
Quick Overview
- $76,110 Undergraduate Tuition
- $34,528 Graduate Tuition
- Doctoral/Professional University
-
624 Undergraduate Enrolled
*Certificate and degree-seeking students - 218 Graduate Students Enrolled
- 51% Graduation Rate
Student Demographics
- 23 Average Age
- 48% Men
- 52% Women
- 91% White
- 6% Hispanic
- 2% Black
- 1% Asian
College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.
Nursing Programs
-
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner AGPCNP
- Online BSN to MSN Program
- $33,696 In-State Tuition
- 54 Credits
- 3.00 GPA Required
- 750 Clincal Hours
- 4.4 Program Score
-
Family Nurse Practitioner FNP
- Online BSN to MSN Program
- $35,568 In-State Tuition
- 57 Credits
- 3.00 GPA Required
- 750 Clincal Hours
- 4.4 Program Score
-
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner PMHNP
- Online BSN to MSN Program
- $34,320 In-State Tuition
- 55 Credits
- 3.00 GPA Required
- 750 Clincal Hours
- 4.4 Program Score
-
RN to BSN
- Online BSN Program
- $9,900 In-State Tuition
- 30 Credits
- 24 Months
- 2.75 GPA Required
- 4.1 Program Score
-
Traditional BSN
- On-Campus BSN Program
- $142,320 In-State Tuition
- 120 Credits
- 24 Months
- 2.75 GPA Required
- 800 Clincal Hours
- 4.1 Program Score
*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology
Briar Cliff University (BCU) was established in 1930. In 1980, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program was added. In 2001, the Master's programs were added with the college officially transitioning to a University. In 2006, the college offered its first online classes as part of their nursing degree program, and in 2013, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program was introduced.
Undergraduate
Basic Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Documentation of physical health status must be obtained upon admission to the nursing major. Required immunizations include (not all-inclusive):
- Hepatitis B vaccination (or signed waiver)
- Annual Mantoux test
- Second MMR if born after 1957
- Proof of Varicella immunity if born after 1965 (either a positive titer or proof of a series of two immunizations and an annual influenza immunization)
- Annual seasonal influenza vaccination
Students also must maintain basic CPR certification throughout the program. In addition, students must have a criminal background check and drug screen.
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
This is a completely online program for currently licensed registered nurses. There are a certain amount of credit hours, general education requirements, and the Iowa Articulation Plan for Nursing Education guidelines that must be met for admittance to the program. Students are awarded up to 90 credit hours from other institutions to go toward the online RN-BSN degree.
Graduate
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Requirements (not all-inclusive)
- A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE-, ACEN or CNEA-accredited program, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. You must have an upper division major in nursing, including the following courses: Physical assessment, nursing research, ethics and statistics
- Evidence of licensure as an RN in Iowa or state participating in the licensure compact
- BCLS certification
- A minimum of 2,000 hours of nursing practice
Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner
Requirements (not all-inclusive)
- A Master of Science in Nursing degree from a CCNE, ACEN- or CNEA-accredited program
- Evidence of licensure as an RN in Iowa or state participating in the licensure compact
- BCLS certification
- A minimum of 2,000 hours of nursing practice
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Specialty Tracks
Family Nurse Practitioner - 51 credit hours
Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - 49 credit hours
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Admission Requirements (not all-inclusive)
- MSN or completion of a post-master's certificate program as either a family nurse practitioner or adult/gerontology nurse practitioner from a CCNE-, ACEN- or CNEA-accredited program
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- APRN license in state of residence
- Minimum 2,000 hours of nursing practice
Accreditation
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing, and the DNP programs at Briar Cliff University.
Briar Cliff is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Rankings
US News & World Report (2019-2020)
- #29 (tie) in Regional Colleges Midwest
- #4 in Best Colleges for Veterans
- #94 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
- #210 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Master's
Niche (2019-2020)
- Most Diverse Colleges in America #455 of 1,583
- Most Conservative Colleges in America #377 of 1,692
- Best College Locations in America #628 of 1,607
- Best Value Colleges in America #986 of 1,592
- Safest College Campuses in Iowa #3 of 25
- Most Diverse Colleges in Iowa #5 of 25
- Best College Locations in Iowa #8 of 28
- Most Conservative Colleges in Iowa #5 of 28
- Best Value Colleges in Iowa #21 of 28
College Factual (2019-2020)
- #17 Best Colleges for the Money in Iowa
- #324 Best Colleges for the Money nationally
The Princeton Review listed BCU in its Best Midwestern category (2018-2019).
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