Business Administration, Management and Operations at Briar Cliff University

Briar Cliff's business program punches above its weight nationally, placing graduates in the 85th percentile for earnings at $55,784—a full $10,000 above the national median for business degrees. However, within Iowa's competitive landscape, the picture is more nuanced. While the program outperforms the state median by $7,000, it trails several Iowa peers, landing in the 60th percentile statewide. You're essentially paying for performance that's excellent by national standards but middle-of-the-pack for the state.

The debt load of $25,191 is manageable, resulting in a 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests graduates can handle their payments without significant strain. Earnings grow modestly but steadily to $60,580 by year four, indicating stable career progression rather than dramatic advancement. For families who value the personalized attention of a small private school—30% of students receive Pell grants here—these outcomes justify the investment.

One important caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual experiences may vary more than at larger programs. If you're comparing offers, Briar Cliff delivers solid value, but programs like William Penn and Saint Ambrose show stronger earning potential if your child gains admission and costs are comparable.