Welcome to Briar Cliff University

Financial Aid Basics

What is Financial Aid?

Financial Aid is any resource that is available to assist you and your family with paying for your cost of attendance. Financial aid includes scholarships and grants awarded by Briar Cliff University, the federal and state governments, and private scholarship organizations. Financial aid also includes student loans provided by the federal government, state government or private lenders. Federal or State Work Study funds, which are awarded on the basis of financial need, are also considered financial aid.

First-time freshmen are considered automatically for Briar Cliff Scholarships and Awards by completing the admission process.

Don't assume you are not eligible for financial aid because your family has a certain income level. Many factors other than income are used to determine your ability to contribute to the cost of your education. The important thing to remember is that there are many ways to finance your education.

Meeting the Cost of a Great Education

A college education requires a significant financial commitment. That's true of any university, including Briar Cliff University. But, if you believe the adage, "Where there's a will, there's a way," you should contact us. You deserve a superior education, and we believe we can help you make it happen.

There are a variety of ways to finance your education. At Briar Cliff, we offer scholarships, grants, loans and student employment. Don't assume that just because your family has a certain income, you aren't eligible for financial aid. Many factors other than income are used to determine your ability to contribute to the cost of your education. You may also be eligible for merit-based scholarships. Most students are awarded a combination of scholarships, grants, work study and loans. You may accept or decline these sources of assistance as you see fit.

How to Apply - The Basic Application Process

*Apply for undergraduate admissions and be admitted to a degree or certificate program.

*Obtain a personal identification number (PIN) for yourself and your parents from the
U.S. Department of Education at www.pin.ed.gov.

*Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, listing
Briar Cliff University, school code 001846, as an institution to receive your information. To request
a paper FAFSA, call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

*Respond promptly to all requests for additional information from the Financial Aid Office.

Briar Cliff University will determine your financial aid eligibility and send you a Notification of Award once all requested information has been received and processed. This notification will list the types of aid programs and the amounts for which you qualify.

We're Here to Help

Our Undergraduate Financial Aid Office will help you put it all together - from reviewing financial aid opportunities to identifying which financing options will benefit you and your family the most. Also, our Office of Admissions will be happy to help you with any other questions you might have. Call us or e-mail us at 1-800-662-3303 or admissions@briarcliff.edu.