Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Briar Cliff University
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic college

Briar Cliff University

  • LocationSioux City, IA
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 940 students
  • SponsorDubuque Franciscan Sisters
  • TraditionFranciscan
Official website

Briar Cliff University is a Catholic Franciscan university in Sioux City, Iowa. The Campus Ministry chapel page lists a Sunday Mass at 7:00 PM and Sunday confession at 6:15 PM in the Chapel of Our Lady of Grace. The 2026-27 Catalog requires one theology literacy course and describes its general education as following the intellectual tradition of Catholic institutions of higher learning, and the university offers a theology major.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 1

  • Sunday7:00 PMChapel of Our Lady of Grace (as listed on the chapel page)

Confession 1

  • Sunday6:15 PMChapel of Our Lady of Grace (as listed on the chapel page)

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 12, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Chapel of Our Lady of Grace | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/about/our-campus/buildings-and-facilities/student-support-buildings/chapel-of-our-lady-grace · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Mass | Sunday | 7:00 PM | Confession | Sunday | 6:15 PM”
    Mass is listed on Sundays at 7:00 PM and confession on Sundays at 6:15 PM under Campus Ministry Regular Events.
    “Mass | Sunday | 7:00 PM | Confession | Sunday | 6:15 PM”
    Mass is listed on Sundays at 7:00 PM and confession on Sundays at 6:15 PM under Campus Ministry Regular Events.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Briar Cliff University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miCathedral of the Epiphany: 2.1 mi1Campus Ministry (Ministry on Campus) at the Chapel of Our Lady of Grace: 0.2 miBriar Cliff University (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Cathedral of the Epiphany — 2.1 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

FSacramental life: Minimal (grade F): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

38 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic yearNo weekday Mass on campus (The Campus Ministry Regular Events list shows one Mass, on Sunday.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel of Our Lady of Grace | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/about/our-campus/buildings-and-facilities/student-support-buildings/chapel-of-our-lady-grace · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass | Sunday | 7:00 PM | Confession | Sunday | 6:15 PM”
      Mass is listed on Sundays at 7:00 PM and confession on Sundays at 6:15 PM under Campus Ministry Regular Events.
      “Campus Ministry Regular Events”
      The campus ministry's regular events list is the list of recurring services; it includes no weekday Mass and no adoration.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)One weekend Mass (One weekend Mass on campus (Sunday 7:00 PM).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel of Our Lady of Grace | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/about/our-campus/buildings-and-facilities/student-support-buildings/chapel-of-our-lady-grace · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass | Sunday | 7:00 PM | Confession | Sunday | 6:15 PM”
      Mass is listed on Sundays at 7:00 PM and confession on Sundays at 6:15 PM under Campus Ministry Regular Events.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Scheduled confession on campusOne or two scheduled times per week (One scheduled confession time per week (Sunday 6:15 PM).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel of Our Lady of Grace | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/about/our-campus/buildings-and-facilities/student-support-buildings/chapel-of-our-lady-grace · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass | Sunday | 7:00 PM | Confession | Sunday | 6:15 PM”
      Mass is listed on Sundays at 7:00 PM and confession on Sundays at 6:15 PM under Campus Ministry Regular Events.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Eucharistic adorationNot offered (The Campus Ministry Regular Events list includes no adoration; the list is presented as the regular events.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel of Our Lady of Grace | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/about/our-campus/buildings-and-facilities/student-support-buildings/chapel-of-our-lady-grace · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Ministry Regular Events”
      The campus ministry's regular events list is the list of recurring services; it includes no weekday Mass and no adoration.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priests serving studentsPart-time or visiting priest (A Mass is published.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Chapel of Our Lady of Grace | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/about/our-campus/buildings-and-facilities/student-support-buildings/chapel-of-our-lady-grace · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass | Sunday | 7:00 PM | Confession | Sunday | 6:15 PM”
      Mass is listed on Sundays at 7:00 PM and confession on Sundays at 6:15 PM under Campus Ministry Regular Events.
    2. Employee Directory | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Ministry Director and Liberal Arts Lec”
      The employee directory lists Michael Horka as Campus Ministry Director; no email or phone is published on his entry.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusYes (The chapel page describes the Chapel of Our Lady of Grace as the dedicated place of worship for students, faculty and staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel of Our Lady of Grace | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/about/our-campus/buildings-and-facilities/student-support-buildings/chapel-of-our-lady-grace · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “the dedicated place of worship for Briar Cliff students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community”
      The Chapel of Our Lady of Grace is the dedicated place of worship for students, faculty and staff.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration1 to 5 times a week (2 weekly times documented: 1 Mass, 1 confession, 0 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).
DTheology and core curriculum: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and core curriculum

47 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (The Theology Literacy requirement is one course, chosen from a list of Theology Literacy courses.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/filesimages/Future%20Chargers/Registration/2026-2027%20Academic%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology Literacy 1 course”
      The Core Values Curriculum requires one Theology Literacy course.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)Catholic theology is one option among several (THEO 115 Foundations of Christianity is described as primarily Roman Catholic; the Theology Literacy courses include others (for example THEO 225 Scripture in Times of Disruption); Catholic theology is one option among several.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog, Theology Courses | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/filesimages/Future%20Chargers/Registration/2026-2027%20Academic%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “primarily as they are expressed in Roman Catholicism”
      THEO 115 Foundations of Christianity is described as primarily Roman Catholic and carries the Theology Literacy designation.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsNone required (The required Ethical Literacy course is a generic category and is not presented as a philosophy requirement; it is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/filesimages/Future%20Chargers/Registration/2026-2027%20Academic%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Ethical Literacy 1 course”
      The Core Values Curriculum requires one Ethical Literacy course, described as ethical frameworks and issues.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionYes, stated in the catalog or core description (The General Education and Core Values Curriculum goals state that the program follows the intellectual tradition of Catholic institutions of higher learning.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog, General Education Goal of Program | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/filesimages/Future%20Chargers/Registration/2026-2027%20Academic%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Following in the rich intellectual tradition of Catholic institutions of higher learning”
      The general education program states that it follows the intellectual tradition of Catholic institutions of higher learning.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredYes (Theology (Bachelor of Arts) major and minor are offered.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog, Theology Program | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/filesimages/Future%20Chargers/Registration/2026-2027%20Academic%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Theology program at Briar Cliff University is a concrete expression of the University's identity as a Catholic Franciscan institution”
      The Theology program offers a Bachelor of Arts major and a minor.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
DCampus culture and residence life: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture and residence life

48 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)One (One professional ministry staff member is listed in the employee directory (Campus Ministry Director).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Employee Directory | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Ministry Director and Liberal Arts Lec”
      The employee directory lists Michael Horka as Campus Ministry Director; no email or phone is published on his entry.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearOne to three (Three student retreats are listed: Antioch, Newcomers and the Annual Busy Person's Retreat.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Ministry on Campus | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/current-chargers/get-involved/student-support-services/ministry-on-campus · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The student-led Antioch Retreat gives students the opportunity to”
      The student-led Antioch Retreat is one of the regular campus ministry retreats.
      “takes place each year at the beginning of the fall semester”
      The Newcomers Retreat takes place each year at the beginning of the fall semester.
      “The Busy Person’s Retreat is open to all students”
      The Annual Busy Person's Retreat is open to all students.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsOne or two (Two Catholic student organizations are listed: Catholic Daughters and the Knights of Columbus council (Knights of San Damiano). Liturgical Ministers is a volunteer team run by the campus ministry and is not counted.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Catholic Daughters | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/current-chargers/get-involved/student-organizations/catholic-daughters · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “40 Days for Life prayer vigil”
      The Catholic Daughters student group sponsors a 40 Days for Life prayer vigil.
    2. Knights of San Damiano | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/current-chargers/get-involved/student-organizations/mens-faith-group · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Briar Cliff University's Knights of Columbus is a men's faith group”
      The Knights of Columbus council at Briar Cliff is a men's faith group for Catholic students.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Single-sex residence optionsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsVisitation hours or guest limits apply (The 2026-27 Student Handbook restricts opposite-gender guests in rooms from 2:00 AM to 8:00 AM and limits overnight stays.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-27 | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/filesimages/About/Our%20Story/Accreditation%20and%20Policies/Student%20Handbook%202026-27%20Final.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Opposite-gender guests are not permitted in your room between 2:00 AM and 8:00”
      Opposite-gender guests may not be in a student's room between 2:00 and 8:00 AM.
      “Guests may stay up to 2 consecutive nights per visit and no more than 6 nights per”
      Overnight guests may stay up to two consecutive nights per visit and six nights per month.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityNot enough information: not found in official sources.
BService and Catholic social teaching: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

75 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes (A Volunteer Opportunities office page lists local and campus service, and tracks hours.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Volunteer Opportunities | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/current-chargers/get-involved/student-activities/volunteer-opportunities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “As a Catholic Franciscan institution, we are committed to instilling the value of connecting through joyful service to others in our students.”
      The university's volunteer office promotes joyful service and tracks student service hours.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumAvailable (courses or programs) (CORE 105 includes a project to help a nonprofit; it is required only of first-time traditional students; transfers are exempt. The Volunteer page says all students must complete 20 hours of service per year; that is a volunteer-hours requirement, not required service-learning in the curriculum.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog, Core Values Curriculum | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/filesimages/Future%20Chargers/Registration/2026-2027%20Academic%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “traditional, degree-seeking students will complete the Core Values Curriculum (CVC)”
      The Core Values Curriculum is required of first-time traditional degree-seeking students.
      “are exempt from all CVC requirements except the BCU Literacy”
      Students who already hold an AA or AS degree are exempt from most Core Values Curriculum requirements.
      “work with a team to develop a project that could provide a solution or plan to help”
      CORE 105 includes a team project to help a nonprofit organization.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)Offered (course, minor, or center) (EDUC 150 Foundations and Ministry of Catholic School Teaching covers Catholic social teachings as one of its topics. Not part of the required core.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog, Education Courses | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/filesimages/Future%20Chargers/Registration/2026-2027%20Academic%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “EDUC 150 Foundations and Ministry of Catholic School Teaching (2)”
      EDUC 150 is a course on Catholic school teaching.
      “Catholic social teachings, faith community development”
      EDUC 150 considers Catholic social teachings as one of its topics.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)One (One pro-life program is listed: the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil sponsored by Catholic Daughters.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Daughters | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/current-chargers/get-involved/student-organizations/catholic-daughters · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “40 Days for Life prayer vigil”
      The Catholic Daughters student group sponsors a 40 Days for Life prayer vigil.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)Two or more (Campus ministry mission trips to Honduras, Guatemala and Saint Lucia, and volunteer work with the Food Bank of Siouxland and the Siouxland Soup Kitchen.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Volunteer Opportunities | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/current-chargers/get-involved/student-activities/volunteer-opportunities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our campus ministry organizes, plans, and takes mission trips to poverty-stricken countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and Saint Lucia.”
      Campus Ministry organizes mission trips to Honduras, Guatemala and Saint Lucia.
      “Reach the less fortunate at the Food Bank of Siouxland or Siouxland Soup Kitchen”
      Students are invited to serve at the Food Bank of Siouxland or the Siouxland Soup Kitchen.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Yes (The mission trips are organized by Campus Ministry.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Volunteer Opportunities | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/current-chargers/get-involved/student-activities/volunteer-opportunities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our campus ministry organizes, plans, and takes mission trips to poverty-stricken countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and Saint Lucia.”
      Campus Ministry organizes mission trips to Honduras, Guatemala and Saint Lucia.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • A Sunday Mass (7:00 PM) and Sunday confession (6:15 PM) are published for the campus chapel.
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel of Our Lady of Grace | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/about/our-campus/buildings-and-facilities/student-support-buildings/chapel-of-our-lady-grace · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass | Sunday | 7:00 PM | Confession | Sunday | 6:15 PM”
      Mass is listed on Sundays at 7:00 PM and confession on Sundays at 6:15 PM under Campus Ministry Regular Events.
  • Campus Ministry lists three retreats and an OCIA group, and it organizes mission trips to Honduras, Guatemala and Saint Lucia.
    Sources (2)
    1. Ministry on Campus | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/current-chargers/get-involved/student-support-services/ministry-on-campus · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The student-led Antioch Retreat gives students the opportunity to”
      The student-led Antioch Retreat is one of the regular campus ministry retreats.
      “takes place each year at the beginning of the fall semester”
      The Newcomers Retreat takes place each year at the beginning of the fall semester.
      “The Busy Person’s Retreat is open to all students”
      The Annual Busy Person's Retreat is open to all students.
      “The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) group meets weekly for those who are seeking to become Catholic”
      An OCIA group meets weekly for people seeking to become Catholic or to receive Confirmation.
    2. Volunteer Opportunities | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/current-chargers/get-involved/student-activities/volunteer-opportunities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our campus ministry organizes, plans, and takes mission trips to poverty-stricken countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and Saint Lucia.”
      Campus Ministry organizes mission trips to Honduras, Guatemala and Saint Lucia.
  • The Theology major is offered, and the general education goals state that the program follows the intellectual tradition of Catholic institutions of higher learning.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog, Theology Program | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/filesimages/Future%20Chargers/Registration/2026-2027%20Academic%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Theology program at Briar Cliff University is a concrete expression of the University's identity as a Catholic Franciscan institution”
      The Theology program offers a Bachelor of Arts major and a minor.
      “Following in the rich intellectual tradition of Catholic institutions of higher learning”
      The general education program states that it follows the intellectual tradition of Catholic institutions of higher learning.

Concerns

  • The Core Values Curriculum requires one theology course, and no philosophy course is required of all students.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/filesimages/Future%20Chargers/Registration/2026-2027%20Academic%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology Literacy 1 course”
      The Core Values Curriculum requires one Theology Literacy course.
      “Ethical Literacy 1 course”
      The Core Values Curriculum requires one Ethical Literacy course, described as ethical frameworks and issues.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry (Ministry on Campus) at the Chapel of Our Lady of Grace

  • Address: 3303 Rebecca Street, Sioux City, IA 51104
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: Chapel of Our Lady of Grace, Sisters of St. Francis Prayer Garden

View on map ↗

Source: briarcliff.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, briarcliff.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, briarcliff.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

16 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 2 off campus, 12 location not published

Service 3

  • Campus ministry mission trips (Honduras, Guatemala, Saint Lucia)Off campus
    Campus Ministry organizes and takes mission trips to poverty-stricken countries.
    briarcliff.edu
  • Food Bank of Siouxland and Siouxland Soup Kitchen serviceOff campus
    Volunteer service to reach people in need at the Food Bank of Siouxland or Siouxland Soup Kitchen.
    briarcliff.edu
  • Campus service events (for example Night to Shine and canned food drives)On campus
    Campus service events and drives listed on the Volunteer Opportunities page.
    briarcliff.edu

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Student-led rosaries in Our Lady of Grace ChapelOn campus
    Student-led rosaries sponsored by Catholic Daughters.
    briarcliff.edu
  • Morning Prayer (Christian prayer service with reading)
    Mondays and Tuesdays, 8:30 AM
    Christian morning prayer service with reading.
    briarcliff.edu
  • Morning Prayer (Catholic Liturgy of the Hours)
    Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 AM
    Catholic Liturgy of the Hours morning prayer.
    briarcliff.edu

Faith formation 3

  • Ecumenical Bible Study
    Mondays, 8-9 PM
    Ecumenical Bible study listed in the campus ministry regular events; location not stated.
    briarcliff.edu
  • Weekly Bible Study
    Weekly (check the campus calendar)
    Students gather weekly to read, study and discuss scripture; time and place are on the campus calendar.
    briarcliff.edu
  • OCIA (Joining the Catholic Church)
    Weekly
    Order of Christian Initiation of Adults group for people seeking to become Catholic or Catholics who have not received Confirmation.
    briarcliff.edu

Clubs and groups 2

  • Catholic Daughters
    Catholic Daughters of America chapter for students, with service and faith events.
    briarcliff.edu, briarcliff.edu
  • Knights of Columbus (Knights of San Damiano)
    Men's faith group open to male students of any faith; members must be Catholic.
    briarcliff.edu

Other 1

  • 40 Days for Life prayer vigil
    Prayer vigil sponsored by Catholic Daughters.
    briarcliff.edu

Retreats 3

  • Antioch Retreat
    Student-led retreat to unplug and grow in faith.
    briarcliff.edu
  • Newcomers Retreat
    Each year, beginning of fall semester
    Retreat for first-year students to meet friends and hear from upperclassmen about living out their faith in college.
    briarcliff.edu
  • Annual Busy Person's Retreat
    Annual
    Open to all students; a time for prayer, scripture and a spiritual guide while continuing classes.
    briarcliff.edu

Social life 1

  • Faith, Food, Friends
    First Thursday of each month, 11:00 AM
    Monthly gathering listed in the campus ministry regular events.
    briarcliff.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (3)
  1. Ministry on Campus | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/current-chargers/get-involved/student-support-services/ministry-on-campus · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Individuals from every faith background and belief systems are welcomed”
    Campus Ministry welcomes individuals of every faith background.
    “meaning we serve others, care for each other and creation, and we are open to all.”
    Campus Ministry describes its Franciscan identity as serving others, caring for creation and being open to all.
    “Individuals from every faith background and belief systems are welcomed”
    Campus Ministry welcomes individuals of every faith background.
  2. Chapel of Our Lady of Grace | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/about/our-campus/buildings-and-facilities/student-support-buildings/chapel-of-our-lady-grace · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “the dedicated place of worship for Briar Cliff students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community”
    The Chapel of Our Lady of Grace is the dedicated place of worship for students, faculty and staff.
  3. Directory Contact | Briar Cliff Universitybriarcliff.edu/directory/directory-contact?id=0880698&name=Michael-Horka · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “3303 Rebecca Street Sioux City, IA 51104”
    The university's published street address is 3303 Rebecca Street, Sioux City, Iowa 51104.

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Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
59 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.48%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.64%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.10 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$10,458

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
737
Total students940
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$23,907
Cost of attendance (per year)$51,493
Median federal debt at graduation$23,250
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
48%
First-year retention64%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$54,475
Admission rate—
Students receiving Pell grants53%

Value index: 42 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Diocese of Sioux City

The Most Reverend John E. Keehner Jr., Bishop of Sioux City

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Diocese determined from the county using NCES Catholic school records. Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Briar Cliff University a Catholic college?
Yes. Briar Cliff University is a Catholic college in the Diocese of Sioux City. Its sponsor is Dubuque Franciscan Sisters.
What is Briar Cliff University’s Compass Score?
54 out of 100 (grade D). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Briar Cliff University?
Mass is listed at Chapel of Our Lady of Grace (as listed on the chapel page). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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