Briar Cliff University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Briar Cliff is test-optional, but ACT scores are still a normal part of the applicant pool, with 95% of students submitting them. Aim for a 24 or higher to put your score at the top of the middle range, and pair it with steady grades around or above the 3.21 average.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Briar Cliff University facts and stats
Briar Cliff University enrolls 766 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Briar Cliff has a freshman retention rate of 64% and a 6-year graduation rate of 48%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1.
Sioux City, IA
How do your scores compare at Briar Cliff?

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Key Briar Cliff University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Briar Cliff, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes and potential superscoring, and confirm Briar Cliff’s Regular Decision timing before counting on a late fall score.
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What you'll actually pay
Briar Cliff is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $36,956, and 85% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $1,324.

Briar Cliff University’s listed tuition, fees, room and board total $48,474 before aid. Financial aid is common, with 85% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $33,359. The average merit award is $1,324, so families should look closely at need-based aid and other grants. Students graduate with an average debt of $29,484.
Student life at Briar Cliff University
30% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Allen College
Waterloo, IAOrion Technical College
Davenport, IAAcceptance rate: 100%
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IAAcceptance rate: 77.6%
ACT: 19–26
Central College
Pella, IAAcceptance rate: 86.2%
ACT: 20–26
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