Financial Aid

Briar Cliff University's Financial Aid office ensures that students are able to afford their education by working with them on a number of factors unique to every student's journey. This service works to inform students about financial aid or scholarship options available to assist incoming or current students. To do this, they send students and their families informative communications, to proactively educate on key financial aid concepts and deadlines. 

Here to Help

Financial aid, scholarships, and payment topics can seem overwhelming and confusing at times. Don't go through it alone, ask us questions or request a meeting with our Financial Aid team.

Regular Hours

Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

*Regular hours may vary during summer break, holiday breaks, or for special events on campus.*

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a payment on my student account? 

Student account payments are due the first day of the semester. Any charges posted to the account after the first day are due within 30 days of that charge. Briar Cliff accepts direct payments via personal check, electronic check, cashier's check, credit or debit card, and money orders.

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How do I apply for financial assistance at Briar Cliff?

To be eligible for any financial aid at Briar Cliff, you must complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). This must be completed every year that you are attending a higher education institution in the United States. Some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, so we recommend completing the application at the beginning of each calendar year. 

The Briar Cliff University FAFSA number is 001846. Using this number when you complete your application will ensure the results are sent to our Financial Support Services team so they can use it to help prepare your yearly financial award letter. 

We encourage every student complete their FAFSA application and Briar Cliff University scholarship application every year.

Complete Your FAFSA 

Scholarship Opportunities
How do I activate my federal student loans?

Students who wish to activate their loans must complete the Master Promissory Note and an Entrance Counseling session. These items can be completed by visiting studentaid.gov.

Do you have your Financial Student Aid ID credentials ready? 

 Get Started
What loan resources are available to help pay for my education?

At Briar Cliff University, there are several loan options to help cover higher education expenses. Federal student loans, such as Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, offer low-interest rates and flexible repayment plans. Graduate students and parents of undergraduates can also apply for Federal PLUS Loans. In addition, private loans from banks or credit unions may be available, though these may have higher interest rates and require a credit check.

Briar Cliff University also partners with FastChoice to help provide private lending options.

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Briar Cliff University also offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help reduce the overall cost. It's important to explore all options to find the best solution for your needs.
What if I have a special or unusual circumstance related to my FAFSA?

Special Circumstances Related to the FAFSA
The FAFSA for the 2025-2026 academic year uses 2023 income and tax information to determine eligibility for the Pell Grant and other need-based aid such as Subsidized Direct Loans. You may qualify for a review of your FAFSA information, if your 2023 income (or your family’s income for a dependent student) does not accurately reflect your current financial situation due to special circumstances such as the following:

  • Reduction in income due to unemployment, job change, reduced hours or retirement.
  • One-time income such as a bonus or payout included as income on your 2023 tax return.
  • Unusually high or unexpected expenses for medical care, funerals or dependent care.
  • Significant reduction in assets listed on the FAFSA to cover necessary expenses.

If changes are warranted, the Financial Aid Office can update your income or other FAFSA data elements to reflect your current financial situation. Please note that adjustments do not always result in additional financial aid.

What Circumstances Qualify?
Requests to be considered independent are reviewed on a case-by-case basis after reviewing a student’s unique situation. Circumstances that may warrant making a student independent include when parent cannot be contacted or the parent poses a risk or threat to the student. The following are some examples of situations that may qualify:

  • Parent incarceration or institutionalization.
  • Physical, verbal or emotional abuse in the family.
  • Parents cannot be located.
  • Parent abandonment or estrangement.
  • Student is a victim of human trafficking.
  • Student is an asylee or refugee who came to the United States without a parent.

Students who request a review of their FAFSA dependency status must document that unusual circumstances exist with both biological or adoptive parents. For example, a student who has one parent who is incarcerated would not qualify to be independent unless the student could also document an unusual circumstance with the parent who is not incarcerated.

What Circumstances Do Not Qualify?
Please note that dependent students cannot be deemed independent for financial aid purposes based on any of the following:

  • Student filing taxes as an independent student.
  • Parent refusal to complete the FAFSA or FAFSA verification.
  • Parent refusal to contribute to the student’s education.
  • Student being self-supporting.