Briar Cliff University

About

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 résumé — it shapes your character.

*We are committed to helping you grow. *

Our Story

Over 90 years ago, we began as a private, liberal-arts, two-year college for women. Today, we are still a private, liberal-arts institution — but we have grown into a University that offers award-winning educational programs, with all levels of certifications and degrees, to any individual wanting to pursue higher education.

Briar Cliff was founded on September 18, 1930 by the Catholic Franciscan order known as the Sisters of St. Francis. While the order is based in Dubuque, IA, the Sister's went to the area of greatest need when they sought to establish a higher education institution focused on students and centered on values.

Originally a river town on the intersection of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota, Sioux City is a natural hub for business and industry. Briar Cliff's infamous 70-acre clifftop campus offers students a unique 360 degrees of inspiring views overlooking the Loess Hills' protected prairies and the City of Sioux City. This location allows our students both big city opportunities and a safe, secure atmosphere in which to live and learn.

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.*