Briar Cliff University vs. Washburn University

Comparable Facts

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

Washburn University is larger than Briar Cliff University based on total student enrollment (6,033 students vs. 947 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Briar Cliff University is located in Sioux City, IA (Small City setting); Washburn University is in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting).
• Briar Cliff University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Briar Cliff University 10:1; Washburn University 15:1.

Briar Cliff University vs. Washburn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Briar Cliff University or Washburn University? 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 Washburn University than Briar Cliff University ($11,488 vs. $23,263).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washburn University are 0.1% lower than at Briar Cliff University ($11,501 vs. $11,518).
• Briar Cliff University is 271.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $27,011 more per year; $36,956.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.4% higher at Briar Cliff University than at Washburn University (about $16,007 more per year; $36,956.00 vs. $20,949.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Briar Cliff University than at Washburn University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Briar Cliff University students is 190.6% larger than aid received by Washburn University students ($28,425 vs. $9,781).

Briar Cliff University vs. Washburn University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Briar Cliff University or Washburn 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 Washburn University and Briar Cliff University.

• Briar Cliff University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Briar Cliff University - Open admission; Washburn University - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman Washburn University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Briar Cliff University (3.21).

Briar Cliff University vs. Washburn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Briar Cliff University and Washburn 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).

• Briar Cliff University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from Briar Cliff University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Washburn University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,500 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $7,600 lower median loan debt than Briar Cliff University graduates ($16,900 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $79 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Briar Cliff University graduates ($174 vs. $253).
• More Briar Cliff University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 49%)

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.