Social Work at Briar Cliff University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Briar Cliff's social work program charges premium debt—$37,564 compared to the state median of $25,837—but delivers earnings that actually justify it. At $42,935 first-year out, graduates earn more than any other Iowa social work program and rank in the 95th percentile nationally, even if they're closer to the middle of the pack within Iowa (60th percentile). That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 is considerably better than most social work programs achieve, where debt often exceeds starting pay.
The comparison to other Iowa programs is telling: Briar Cliff graduates out-earn Grand View University grads by over $2,000 despite similar debt levels, and they're miles ahead of Luther College, where students take on comparable debt but earn $12,000 less. While the higher borrowing might initially worry you, the return on investment here is solid for a field not known for high starting salaries.
The one caution is sample size—with 30-100 graduates tracked, these numbers are reasonably reliable but could shift somewhat year to year. Still, for a parent whose child is committed to social work, this program delivers stronger financial outcomes than nearly all of its competitors, both in Iowa and nationally. You're paying more upfront, but the earnings advantage makes that premium worthwhile.
Where Briar Cliff University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Briar Cliff University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Briar Cliff University graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all social work bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (14 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Briar Cliff University | $42,935 | — | $37,564 | 0.87 |
| Grand View University | $40,736 | — | $25,837 | 0.63 |
| University of Iowa | $39,285 | $46,843 | $25,180 | 0.64 |
| Mount Mercy University | $37,303 | $44,621 | $25,677 | 0.69 |
| University of Northern Iowa | $37,257 | $41,868 | $22,847 | 0.61 |
| Luther College | $30,372 | $41,186 | $27,000 | 0.89 |
| National Median | $37,296 | — | $26,362 | 0.71 |
Other Social Work Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand View University Des Moines | $33,450 | $40,736 | $25,837 |
| University of Iowa Iowa City | $10,964 | $39,285 | $25,180 |
| Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids | $39,070 | $37,303 | $25,677 |
| University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls | $9,728 | $37,257 | $22,847 |
| Luther College Decorah | $50,320 | $30,372 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Briar Cliff University, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 38 graduates with reported earnings and 58 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.