Briar Cliff University Welcomes One of Its Largest Incoming Classes in Decades

(Sioux City, Iowa – September 14, 2026) Briar Cliff University has welcomed one of its largest incoming classes in at least two decades, capping a recruiting cycle that drew record interest from students across the region and pushing enrollment to its highest point in years.

 

The freshman class includes nearly 250 students, an 80% increase over last year, contributing to a total of 420 new students joining the University. Together, this growth brought Briar Cliff’s total headcount to 2,149 students, including 1,054 students supported through credit recovery courses. The incoming class is also particularly significant as the Class of 2030 will graduate during Briar Cliff’s centennial year.

 

“This is one of the most encouraging years Briar Cliff has seen in recent history, and it tells us that students are looking for exactly what we offer,” said Briar Cliff University President Dr. Matthew Draud. “They are choosing an education grounded in values that shape character alongside a career. Every one of these students makes our community stronger, and we are honored that they have chosen to call Briar Cliff and Siouxland home.”

 

Overall, the incoming new students are among the largest classes enrolled at Briar Cliff since 2008. The surge caps a multi-year push to strengthen enrollment, widen the University’s reach, and connect more students with the Briar Cliff experience.

 

“This growth is a reflection of the incredible work happening across Briar Cliff,” said Suzie Fischer, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing. “We have been intentional about listening to what students and families need and creating opportunities that meet them where they are, whether that’s a new academic pathway, a new athletic program, or a flexible route to completing a degree. That commitment is reflected in the students and families choosing Briar Cliff, and we are excited not only about the size of this class, but about the energy, talent, and perspective these students are bringing to our campus.”

 

More than 40% of the new students are from Iowa, with 32% coming from the Siouxland region. International students account for approximately 8% of the incoming class, further contributing to the diversity and global perspective of the campus community.

 

Momentum is building across campus as well. The University recently added men’s and women’s bowling as varsity athletic programs, with inaugural seasons beginning this semester. New academic opportunities are also attracting students, including dual-degree pathways in engineering, which drew interest from approximately 5% of the new students.

 

Students are also arriving to a refreshed campus, with updates made to residential spaces, the reopening of Toller Hall, and upgrades to classrooms and other learning environments.