Briar Cliff University

Briar Cliff University, a private institution nestled on a scenic cliff in Sioux City, Iowa, offers a dynamic and engaging educational journey shaped by nearly a century of growth and adaptation. What began in 1930 as a Catholic women's college, co-founded by Mother Mary Dominica Wieneke and Bishop Edmond Heelan, has blossomed into a vibrant co-educational university renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and student development.

Today, Briar Cliff stands out for its progressive approach to learning, including a robust suite of master's programs introduced in 2001, groundbreaking online courses since 2006, and the pioneering Doctorate of Nurse Practitioner program launched in 2013. These offerings, alongside dedicated research centers like the Center for Siouxland Research and the Center for Health Care Initiatives, provide students with cutting-edge academic opportunities and a strong foundation for future success. The university's evolution from a two-year program to a comprehensive four-year institution underscores its continuous pursuit of academic depth.

The student experience at Briar Cliff is designed to be holistic, fostering growth both inside and outside the classroom. From modern residence halls like Toller and Noonan to the state-of-the-art Newman Flanagan Center for athletics and recreation, the campus provides a supportive and active environment. With a proud history of welcoming diverse learners, including becoming fully co-educational in 1966, Briar Cliff continues its legacy of empowering students to achieve their full potential in a close-knit, community-focused setting.