Briar Cliff University vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

Compare Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, IA with Central College in Pella, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central College is larger than Briar Cliff University based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 947 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Briar Cliff University is located in Sioux City, IA (Small City setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Briar Cliff University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Briar Cliff University 10:1; Central College 11:1.

Briar Cliff University vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Briar Cliff University or Central College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Briar Cliff University than Central College ($23,263 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Briar Cliff University are 4.5% lower than at Central College ($11,518 vs. $12,060).
• Briar Cliff University is 76.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $15,968 more per year; $36,956.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.1% higher at Briar Cliff University than at Central College (about $15,968 more per year; $36,956.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Briar Cliff University as at Central College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Briar Cliff University students is 104.1% larger than aid received by Central College students ($28,425 vs. $13,925).

Briar Cliff University vs. Central College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Briar Cliff University or Central College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Central College and Briar Cliff University.

• Briar Cliff University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentral College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentral College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Briar Cliff University - Open admission; Central College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Briar Cliff University (3.21).

Briar Cliff University vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Briar Cliff University and Central College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Briar Cliff University's (45%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Briar Cliff University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $42,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Briar Cliff University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Briar Cliff University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Briar Cliff University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.