Partner Tuition Advantage

Thank you for considering Briar Cliff University as a valued partner in developing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. By partnering with us, your organization empowers employees to advance their education while enhancing the skills needed to drive your business forward.

This collaboration strengthens your employee benefits package, fosters professional growth, and reinforces your commitment to workforce development. As a dedicated community partner, Briar Cliff University is proud to offer this opportunity as part of our commitment to strengthening our local community—helping businesses like yours invest in their employees while driving economic and educational growth across the region. Together, we invest in our people, our businesses, and the communities we serve.

Partnership Benefits

  • Workforce Development
  • Professional Growth
  • Affordable Tuition
  • Accommodating Learning Environment
  • Access to Resources
  • Transfer Friendly
  • Wide Variety of Programs

Tuition Advantage

Briar Cliff University offers two flexible pathways for employers to provide a tuition advantage to employees:

  1. Employee Partner Pathway: In this option, the employee covers their tuition costs. As a valued partner, your organization’s employees receive discounted tuition and mandatory fee rates, making higher education more accessible and affordable. Employees are responsible for tuition, other fees, and additional costs such as books.
  2. Employer Partner Pathway: An organization may choose to invest directly in employee education by fully covering their tuition costs. The organization pays for tuition and mandatory fees, while the employee remains responsible for any additional expenses, such as books.

Available Programs & Rates

Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing | RN-BSN

Briar Cliff University's RN-BSN program is a great way to advance your career, maximize your earning potential, and become better at what you do best: helping people!

Master of Science in Nursing

This program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared nurses who are interested in serving as family nurse practitioners, adult/gerontology primary care nurse practitioners, or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. Graduates will develop caring, holistic relationships with every individual they treat.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

If you’re already a certified nurse practitioner, Briar Cliff’s DNP program is designed to elevate your career in just two years. This advanced program equips you with the knowledge and skills essential for leadership in today’s healthcare landscape—emphasizing cultural competency, ethics, population health, informatics, financial management, and evidence-based practice.

Special 2025-2026 Partner Tuition Rates

  Tuition Fees Total
Bachelor of Science in Nursing | RN-BSN $340 $44 $384
Master of Science in Nursing $530 $67 $597
Doctor of Nursing Practice $530 $67 $597

 

Business

Bachelor of Arts | AccountingBusiness AdministrationFinanceMarketing, or Operations Management

Flexible and career-focused education designed for future business leaders. These majors are taught by experienced faculty and will equip students with the knowledge and practical expertise needed to excel in today’s competitive business landscape.

Master of Arts in Management | Healthcare AdministrationHuman Resource ManagementLeadership, or Sports Management

Take your career to the next level through professional advancement designed to enhance your leadership and strategic decision-making skills across diverse industries. These programs equip students with the expertise to lead teams, drive organizational success, and navigate industry-specific challenges.

Special 2025-2026 Partner Tuition Rates

Tuition Fees Total
Bachelor of Arts $340 $44 $384
Master of Arts in Management $410 $67 $477

 

 

Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work

Make change possible by working with individuals, families, groups, and communities to improve their well-being in a variety of ways. Social workers are on the front lines of advocating for people and facilitating positive change.

Special 2025-2026 Partner Tuition Rates

Tuition Fees Total
Bachelor of Social Work $340 $44 $384

 

Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice

Interested in criminal law, investigations, or law enforcement? A degree in Criminal Justice opens the door to careers in policing, corrections, law, and more—while also preparing you for graduate study or law school. You can gain the skills needed to lead in a rapidly evolving field. 

Special 2025-2026 Partner Tuition Rates

Tuition Fees Total
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice $340 $44 $384

 

Advantage of Tuition Assistance Programs to Employers

IRS Code 127 is a tax law that allows employers to provide up to $5,250 per year in tax-free educational assistance to their employees. This applies to both undergraduate and graduate-level courses, making it a valuable benefit for those looking to further their education while working.

What Does This Mean for Employees?

  • Free Money for School: Your employer can cover up to $5,250 per year for tuition, books, and other education-related expenses—at no cost to you.
  • Tax-Free Benefit: The money your employer provides does not count as taxable income, meaning you won’t have to pay taxes on it.
  • Simple Requirements: Employers must have a written plan for the program, and it must be available fairly to all eligible employees.

In short, Section 127 is a win-win—it encourages employers to invest in their workforce while offering tax advantages for both the company and employees.

Employers who offer tuition assistance programs experience several benefits, including: 

  1. A More Skilled and Productive Workforce: Providing employees with opportunities to enhance their education results in a more knowledgeable, skilled, and efficient workforce.
  2. A Competitive Advantage: Companies with well-trained employees can outperform competitors, as a smarter workforce drives innovation and productivity.
  3. Improved Recruitment and Retention: Offering tuition assistance as part of a benefits package helps attract top talent and reduce employee turnover, making your company a more desirable place to work.
  4. Promoting from Within: Educated and skilled employees create a strong internal talent pipeline, reducing the need to hire externally for leadership roles and boosting employee morale.
  5. Tax Benefits: Employers can deduct up to $5,250 per employee per year for tuition reimbursement, reducing overall business tax liabilities.

Advantage of Tuition Assistance Programs to Employees

Beyond financial support for tuition, employees gain numerous advantages: 

  1. Increased Confidence: Expanding knowledge and skills leads to greater confidence in the workplace.
  2. Higher Earning Potential: Additional education and credentials can open doors to promotions and higher salaries.
  3. Greater Job Satisfaction: When employers invest in their workforce, employees feel valued, supported, and more engaged at work.
  4. Reduced Financial Stress: With tuition costs covered, employees can pursue their education without accumulating debt, leading to lower stress and greater financial security.

By developing a tuition reimbursement program, employers create a culture of learning and development while improving both employee satisfaction and business success. Briar Cliff University is here to help make this process seamless—reach out to explore how we can partner with your organization! 

Partners

  • MercyOne and Affiliates
  • UnityPoint Health and Affiliates
  • Siouxland Community Health Center
  • Sanford Health and Affiliates
  • Avera Health and Affiliates
  • Spencer Hospital
  • Seasons Center for Behavioral Health
  • Accura Healthcare
  • Burgess Memorial Hospital, Onawa
  • Care Initiatives
  • Dunes Surgical Hospital
  • Horn Memorial Hospital, Ida Grove
  • St. Anthony Regional Hospital, Carroll
  • Siouxland Mental Health
  • University of Iowa Health Care
  • Community College Articulation Agreement Partners
  • Briar Cliff Alumni