Briar Cliff University

Non-profit public

Public

Private

Regional

Briar Cliff University offers online degree completion programs across six majors, including accounting, nursing, and social work. Unlike many similar programs at top online Iowa colleges and universities, BCU also accepts freshmen degree-seekers. All programs accept up to 90 transfer credits, and some students can earn a degree in just one year. Prospective degree-seekers can speak with an advisor before enrolling, and all students meet with an academic advisor at least once per semester. Additionally, the Career Development Office helps learners and alumni explore internship and career opportunities through the College Central Network. BCU accepts new degree-seekers in the spring and fall semesters. Incoming learners who possess an associate degree receive 62 transfer credits automatically, and students can earn additional credit by taking a challenge exam. Nursing degree-seekers who work at one of five local healthcare facilities qualify for a reduced tuition rate. Other financial aid opportunities require a separate application.

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Admissions Breakdown

Acceptance Rate Insight

84% of students were accepted during the 2020-2021 school year. Sometimes schools with midrange acceptance rates have higher standards of entry but are still accessible to many students who apply.

Retention Rate Insight

88% of full-time students stayed to continue their studies the following academic year. These students started in Fall 2019 and returned in Fall 2020.

Graduation Rate Insight

72% of students graduated out of all full-time, first-time students who began their studies in Fall 2014. Keep in mind many students who enroll are not typically first-time students, as most are adult learners. Therefore, the number of first-time students is traditionally low.

Application Considerations

Test scores:	Required	High school transcript:	Required
High school rank:	Recommended	Letter of recommendation:	Not required or recommended
High school GPA:	Required	Open admission:	No
Completion of college prep program:	Required	Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL):

Transfer Credit Policy

Dual enrollment: Yes

Advance placement (AP) credits: Yes

Credit for qualified life experience*:

ⓘ *This can include previous jobs, trainings, licenses/credentials, or seminars. You may need to complete an exam or provide a portfolio to earn credit.

Learning Environment

30k

Students enrolledOnline student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio

52%

Online student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio

16:1

Student to faculty ratio

Degrees Awarded by Program

Degrees given for the 2020-2021 academic year.

#	Programs	BA	MA	Doc
1	Area, Ethnic, Cultural, And Gender Studies	✔	✔	✔
2	Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, And Group Studies	✔	✔	✔
3	Biological And Biomedical Sciences	✔	✔	✔
4	Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services	✔	✔	✔
5	Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs	✔	✔	✔
6	Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services	✔	✔	✔
7	Education	✔	✔	✔
8	Engineering	✔	✔	✔
9	English Language And Literature/Letters	✔	✔	✔
10	Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics	✔	✔	✔
11	Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences	✔	✔	✔
12	Health Professions And Related Programs	✔	✔	✔
13	History	✔	✔	✔
14	History	✔	✔	✔
15	Legal Professions And Studies	✕	✔	✔
16	Liberal Arts And Sciences, General Studies And Humanities	✔	✕	✕
17	Library Science	✕	✔	✕
18	Mathematics And Statistics	✔	✔	✔
19	Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies	✔	✔	✔
20	Natural Resources And Conservation	✔	✕	✕
21	Parks, Recreation, Leisure, And Fitness Studies	✔	✔	✔
22	Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, And Kinesiology	✔	✔	✔
23	Philosophy And Religious Studies	✔	✔	✔
24	Physical Sciences	✔	✔	✔
25	Psychology	✔	✔	✔
26	Public Administration And Social Service Professions	✔	✔	✔
27	Social Sciences	✔	✔	✔
28	Visual And Performing Arts	✔	✔	✔