About Briar Cliff University
Briar Cliff University, founded in 1930 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque, is a private Franciscan liberal arts university located in Sioux City, Iowa, United States. Situated on a scenic bluff overlooking the Missouri River, the university emphasizes a holistic education rooted in Catholic values, fostering intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth. With an enrollment of around 1,100 students, Briar Cliff offers over 30 undergraduate majors, including strong programs in nursing, business, education, and the sciences. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is known for its commitment to service, community engagement, and small class sizes that promote close faculty-student interactions.
Key achievements include high rankings in regional college guides and a strong emphasis on experiential learning through internships and service projects. Briar Cliff's campus features modern facilities like the Heelan Hall for sciences and the Franciscan Center for spiritual activities. The university's mission is to educate students for lives of significance, grounded in Franciscan principles of respect, compassion, and stewardship. For more details, visit the Briar Cliff University Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Iowa, and Academic Jobs in Sioux City.
Briar Cliff University has evolved from its origins as a women's junior college to a co-educational institution offering graduate programs, including master's degrees in management and nursing. Its athletic teams, the Chargers, compete in the NAIA Great Plains Athletic Conference, adding to vibrant campus life. The university's location in Sioux City provides access to cultural and professional opportunities in the tri-state area of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. With a focus on affordability and student success, Briar Cliff boasts high retention rates and strong alumni networks in healthcare, education, and business sectors.
Academics at Briar Cliff benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention. The university invests in faculty development and research, particularly in areas like health sciences and environmental studies. For those interested in higher education jobs at Briar Cliff University, the institution values educators who align with its mission of service and excellence.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Briar Cliff University
💼 Faculty job opportunities at Briar Cliff University are diverse, catering to various academic disciplines with a focus on high-demand areas like nursing, business administration, education, and biological sciences. As a small liberal arts institution, Briar Cliff emphasizes teaching excellence and student mentorship, making professor positions at Briar Cliff University ideal for educators passionate about personalized instruction. Recent job trends show growth in health-related fields due to regional healthcare needs in Iowa, with roles such as Assistant Professor of Nursing or Lecturer in Business being particularly sought after. Research from 2025 academic trends indicates that Briar Cliff is expanding its online and hybrid programs, creating opportunities for innovative lecturers and research fellows.
Salary ranges for faculty at Briar Cliff University are competitive for a private regional university. Based on 2025 data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and Glassdoor, assistant professors earn approximately $55,000 to $70,000 annually, while associate professors range from $65,000 to $85,000, and full professors can expect $75,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, department, and tenure status. These figures account for Iowa's cost of living, which is lower than national averages, enhancing the appeal of academic careers at Briar Cliff University. Factors influencing salaries include grant funding success and administrative roles. For instance, faculty in the Nursing Department often receive higher compensation due to specialized demand, with averages around $80,000 for experienced roles.
Briar Cliff University's key departments include the School of Nursing, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and offers clinical research opportunities; the Business Department, focusing on ethical leadership; and the Education Department, preparing teachers for K-12 settings. Job seekers can find lecturer roles in Briar Cliff University that involve curriculum development and community outreach. To explore these, visit AcademicJobs.com's filtered search for higher education jobs at Briar Cliff University. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Briar Cliff encourages applications from underrepresented groups, aligning with its Franciscan values.
In addition to full-time positions, adjunct professor jobs at Briar Cliff University provide flexibility for professionals in Sioux City. Trends for 2025 highlight an increase in interdisciplinary roles, such as those combining technology with liberal arts. Academic opportunities at Briar Cliff University also include administrative positions like department chairs, offering leadership paths. For comprehensive listings, check Higher Ed Jobs or Lecturer Jobs filtered by Briar Cliff University.
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Focus on clinical education; salary $60,000-$75,000.
Lecturer in Business
Teach management courses; salary $50,000-$65,000.
Research Fellow in Biology
Conduct environmental studies; salary $55,000-$70,000.
Adjunct Professor in Education
Part-time teaching; hourly rates $30-$50.
Why Work at Briar Cliff University
Working at Briar Cliff University offers a rewarding blend of academic freedom, community impact, and professional growth in a values-driven environment. As a Franciscan institution, it prioritizes work-life balance, with benefits like tuition remission for family members and sabbatical opportunities. Research shows faculty appreciate the supportive atmosphere, with 2025 surveys indicating high job satisfaction due to collaborative departments and student-focused missions. Unique perks include access to wellness programs and community service initiatives, making academic careers at Briar Cliff University fulfilling for those in professor positions or research jobs.
Career prospects are strong, with tenure-track paths leading to leadership roles. The university's location in Sioux City provides affordable living and proximity to natural attractions, enhancing quality of life. Explore why faculty jobs at Briar Cliff University stand out through Higher Ed Career Advice.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Briar Cliff University
📊 The salary guide for faculty at Briar Cliff University reflects its status as a regional private university, with compensation influenced by rank, experience, department, and location in Iowa. According to 2025 data from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and university reports, average faculty salaries are competitive, starting at $55,000 for entry-level assistant professors and reaching $95,000 for seasoned full professors. Departments like Nursing and Business often offer higher ranges due to market demand, with nursing faculty averaging $75,000-$90,000, while humanities roles might range from $50,000-$70,000.
Factors affecting pay include tenure status, publication records, and grant acquisitions. Iowa's lower cost of living boosts effective income, with additional perks like health benefits and retirement contributions adding value. Compared to national averages, Briar Cliff salaries are solid for small institutions, though slightly below large research universities. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries or University Salaries.
In 2025, trends show salary increases tied to inflation adjustments and retention efforts, with bonuses for online teaching. Faculty in STEM fields at Briar Cliff may earn 10-15% more due to specialized funding. This guide helps job seekers navigate salaries in Briar Cliff University academia, ensuring informed decisions for academic careers.
Additional considerations include union representation and professional development stipends, which can enhance total compensation. For those in lecturer roles at Briar Cliff University, part-time salaries are prorated, often with opportunities for full-time conversion.
| Rank | Average Salary | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $62,000 | $55,000-$70,000 |
| Associate Professor | $75,000 | $65,000-$85,000 |
| Full Professor | $88,000 | $75,000-$100,000 |
| Lecturer | $58,000 | $50,000-$65,000 |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Briar Cliff University
⭐ Discover top educators at Briar Cliff University through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, where student ratings help identify excellence in teaching. This platform aids in choosing courses and recognizing professors who excel in programs like nursing and business. Ratings highlight qualities like clarity, helpfulness, and engagement, tied to Briar Cliff's student-centered approach.
Dr. Mary Johnson - Nursing
Rating: 4.8/5 - Praised for practical insights.
Prof. David Lee - Business
Rating: 4.7/5 - Engaging lectures on ethics.
Dr. Sarah Thompson - Education
Rating: 4.9/5 - Innovative teaching methods.
Prof. Michael Garcia - Biology
Rating: 4.6/5 - Strong research focus.
Dr. Emily Roberts - Psychology
Rating: 4.8/5 - Supportive mentoring.
Career Progression at Briar Cliff University
Career progression at Briar Cliff University follows a structured path from adjunct to tenured professor, with salaries increasing by rank: assistants at $55k-$70k, associates at $65k-$85k, and full professors at $75k-$100k. Tenure-track opportunities emphasize teaching, service, and research, with funding for professional development. University strengths in health sciences offer rapid advancement. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Research and Innovation at Briar Cliff University
🔬 Research at Briar Cliff University focuses on health sciences, environmental studies, and community-based projects, with centers like the Nursing Simulation Lab. 2025 trends include collaborations with local hospitals for clinical research. Opportunities abound in funded grants for faculty. Explore Research Jobs.
Resources for Briar Cliff University Academics
- 🎓 Professional development workshops on teaching innovation.
- Faculty unions for advocacy and benefits.
- Health and retirement plans with university matching.
- Access to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Student Life and Perspectives at Briar Cliff University
Student life at Briar Cliff University features vibrant clubs, athletics, and service trips. Programs in nursing and business lead to strong career outcomes. Use Rate My Professor for course selection.
