School Profile

Are you just beginning your journey into the workplace or hoping to increase your earning power through career advancement? Then come see us at Briarcliffe College!

Briarcliffe College was founded 35 years ago with a single goal in mind: to meet the career-oriented higher education needs of Long Island residents, preparing them for success in the business world.

To ensure that we are providing students with the skills that employers are looking for, we work closely with the businesses in our community. With their input, we are able to construct our curriculum to include courses to meet their educational needs.

Discover Briarcliffe College in Historic Bethpage, New York!

Location
Bethpage is located on delightful Long Island, NY. Golf and nature enthusiasts alike are well aware of the beauty and charm of this energetic city. Hit the links at one of Bethpage State Park’s golf courses and you may run across Tiger Woods practicing for the U.S. Open that is scheduled to return to the island in 2009. In addition to golf, visitors to Bethpage’s parks have the opportunity to utilize a variety of recreational facilities for the whole family to enjoy. Although it is well known for hosting the U.S. Open, Bethpage has so much more to offer. Come for a visit and see the glory of Bethpage for yourself!

Business and Community … Working Together
Bethpage has opened its arms to the business community by welcoming the Northrop Grumman Corporation defense plant redevelopment, while maintaining and honoring its rich history by featuring a village restoration in Old Bethpage that includes 20 pre-Civil War buildings.

One of the many advantages to living in Bethpage is that you are within a half-hour drive to both the northern and southern shores of Long Island. Take a break and discover the beaches along Long Island Sound, feel the cool ocean breezes of the Atlantic, or take the short trip into New York City for some of the best dining and entertainment in the world.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing stroll on the sandy beaches or take a cultural excursion to Historic Old Bethpage, this enchanting city will draw you in with its charms.

Briarcliffe College in Patchogue – A Community By The Sea

Location
Located on the southern shore of Long Island, New York, our harbor is one of the largest and finest on the island. Originally, it was nicknamed Milltown due to the many mills -- gristmills, sawmills, paper, wool, and cotton mills -- that operated on the Patchogue waterways from as early as 1750. Today, we accommodate a variety of maritime vessels from private yachts to commercial boats. Plus, we offer ferry services to the National Sea Shore of Fire Island.

We are proud of our shorefront and riverfront and we have an extensive recreation program at several of our parks for all to enjoy. Athletic fields and tennis courts are available for folks of all ages and we offer well-organized senior programs for the seniors in our community.

A Sense of Community
Among the numerous local businesses in Patchogue, many of them have been passed down from generation to generation. Visitors are delighted to see our focus on the importance of family in our seaside community. Patchogue is the home of the Lighthouse Mission that gave 350,000 meals last year to those in need and provided free school supplies to children whose families could not afford them. The P.A.T.H. Program at the Mission is all about rehabilitating lives and setting people on the path of abundant living.

As part of our dedication to the businesses in our community, Patchogue has one of the finest downtown shopping districts on Long Island. In addition to a variety of fine retail establishments, the downtown area is home to fine restaurants and other recreational facilities. Within walking distance of the college are numerous retailers, downtown and waterfront restaurants, art galleries, craft and antique stores; the village also has a flourishing night life with world class entertainment and concerts at the Patchogue Theatre For The Performing Arts.

As a jewel of the southern Long Island shore, Patchogue is a wonderful place to learn and live.

Campus Locations

Admissions

The admissions process at Briarcliffe College’s campuses is simple and easy to understand. No matter which program you are interested in, our Admissions Staff is friendly and eager to answer any question you might have.

You’ve already made the decision to begin studying for a degree to capitalize on your career passion. We know you have individual professional goals and our Admissions staff is available to answer any questions you may have.

Students at Briarcliffe College come from a variety of educational backgrounds. Whether you are fresh out of high school or a transfer student, our campuses recognize the diversity of our student population and examine many factors for admission.

Programs / Majors

Financial Aid

Many of our students use financial aid to help with their college costs. Our friendly Financial Aid staff will assist you through the financial aid process, and we look forward to answering your questions. We’ve helped many students just like you start classes in our Accounting Program, Business Program, Criminal Justice Program, Graphic Design Program, and more! Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Briarcliffe College participates in federal and state financial aid programs including: New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), National Science and Math Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART), Federal Work-Study, and Federal Family Education Loan Programs. In addition, athletic, transfer & merit scholarships are sponsored by Briarcliffe College.

Frequently Asked Financial Aid Questions

Q. What’s the difference between a Federal Stafford loan and a private loan?
A. A Federal Stafford loan is a low interest federal educational loan that does not require a credit check. A private loan may have higher interest and fees which are determined by the student’s or co-borrower’s credit history.

Q. How do I apply for federal financial aid?
A. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the single application needed to apply for all sources of federal aid. The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. It helps to complete the FAFSA with a PIN (electronic signature) to expedite the process. A PIN can be obtained by visiting www.pin.ed.gov.

Q. Where can I find tuition and fee information?
A. Students should contact the Admissions Office at the school to find out information regarding tuition and fees.

Q. What is financial aid?
A. Financial aid refers to federal, state and private resources that may help pay for college costs. Typically financial aid consists of grants, scholarships, loans and student employment. Grants and scholarships do not have to be repaid. Loans must be repaid with payments usually beginning after the student is no longer enrolled at least half time. Student employment consists of opportunities for students to earn money to pay for educational expenses.

Q. When do I have to repay my loans?
A. Repayment on most student loans will begin after the student is no longer enrolled at least half time. The subsidized Federal Stafford Loans do not accrue interest while the student is enrolled at least half time. Interest may accrue on other loans even while the student is enrolled. Check with the Financial Aid Office, they can help explain the differences in the types of loans. In all cases, loans must be repaid regardless of whether you complete the program or are satisfied with your educational experience. Failure to repay your loans can result in serious consequences and negatively impact your ability to obtain credit in the future.

Q. Why do I have to provide parent information on my FAFSA?
A. Students are considered dependent or independent for financial aid purposes based on criteria established by Congress. Parents of dependent students must provide their financial information in order to determine eligibility for the various federal aid programs. Check with our Financial Aid Office to determine your dependency status if you are unsure.

Q. Why would a parent borrow from a Federal PLUS loan instead of a co-signing on a private loan in the student’s name?
A. Federal PLUS loans are federal loans with lower interest rates than many private loans. Parents who co-sign on a private loan are just as responsible for repaying the loan (usually at higher rates). In other words, whether the parent borrows from a Federal PLUS loan or co-signs for a private loan, their financial responsibility is the same.

Q. How often do I have to reapply for aid?
A. Students must reapply for federal and state aid each award year. Typically, students should reapply for aid as soon as possible after January 1st; however, check with our Financial Aid Office to determine if there are other deadline dates that affect you.

Q. What is a PIN?
A. A PIN is a Personal Identification Number that can be used as an electronic signature. It makes filing for aid quick and easy. PINs are private and should never be shared with anyone.

Q. What’s the difference between a grant and a loan?
A. A grant is free money that does not have to be repaid. Loans must always be repaid regardless of whether you complete the program or are satisfied with your educational experience. Failure to repay your loans can result in serious consequences and negatively impact your ability to obtain credit in the future.

Q. What forms or other information do I need?
A. Students (and parents of dependent students) will refer to their most recent tax return when applying for financial aid. Documentation on other sources of income including social security benefits, unemployment compensation and veteran’s benefits, etc., will be needed. Information on the value of assets is also required. Examples of assets include checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposits, mutual funds, real estate (other than the family home), businesses and farms.

Q. My parents make too much money for me to receive financial aid. What options are available to me?
A. Regardless of how much money you or your parents make, you should still apply for federal aid. Some sources of federal aid are not need based which means you or your parents may qualify regardless of income.

Accreditation