Allen College vs. Briar Cliff University

Comparable Facts

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

Briar Cliff University is larger than Allen College based on total student enrollment (947 students vs. 483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Allen College is located in Waterloo, IA (Rural Fringe setting); Briar Cliff University is in Sioux City, IA (Small City setting).
• Allen College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Briar Cliff University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Allen College 8:1; Briar Cliff University 10:1.

Allen College vs. Briar Cliff University Cost Comparison

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

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen College are 23.6% lower than at Briar Cliff University ($8,800 vs. $11,518).
• Briar Cliff University is 89.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Allen College (about $17,440 more per year; $36,956.00 vs. $19,516.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.4% higher at Briar Cliff University than at Allen College (about $17,440 more per year; $36,956.00 vs. $19,516.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Briar Cliff University than at Allen College (100% vs. 0%).

Allen College vs. Briar Cliff University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Allen College or Briar Cliff University? 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 Briar Cliff University and Allen College.

• Briar Cliff University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Allen College - Not reported; Briar Cliff University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allen College Feb 1, 2027.

Allen College vs. Briar Cliff University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Allen College and Briar Cliff University? 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).

• Allen College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Briar Cliff University's (45%).
• Graduates from Allen College earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Briar Cliff University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,100 vs. $42,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Allen College graduates have a $7,750 lower median loan debt than Briar Cliff University graduates ($16,750 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Allen College graduates have an estimated $80 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Briar Cliff University graduates ($173 vs. $253).
• More Allen College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Briar Cliff University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.