Bradley University
The Vibe Check
Bradley University offers a tight-knit, supportive community where it's easy to get involved and know your professors. The campus feels energetic and collaborative, with a strong focus on practical experience and professional readiness. There's a distinct family atmosphere that makes the urban setting feel like a true home base.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Bradley is renowned for its strong programs in engineering, business, and health professions, offering a curriculum grounded in real-world application. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty who are invested in student success. Students also benefit from unique research opportunities, including the cutting-edge work done at the Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center in partnership with OSF HealthCare.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Peoria
Life in Peoria revolves around the Illinois River, where students can enjoy boating, riverfront parks, and scenic running trails. The city offers a growing downtown with local breweries, diverse restaurants, and cultural venues like the Peoria Riverfront Museum and the Caterpillar Visitors Center. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Forest Park nature preserve provides a great escape for hiking and biking.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($66,852):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
Bradley has its own campus police force and promotes a 'safe ride' shuttle service for students. The surrounding Peoria area is generally safe, but like any urban environment, students are advised to be aware of their surroundings, especially at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ High-impact experiential learning through the Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center.
- ✓ Strong, interconnected alumni network in the Midwest, especially in business and healthcare.
- ✓ High retention rate (84.5%) indicates a satisfying student experience.
- ✓ All undergraduates receive a scholarship, making the net price more manageable.
Cons
- ✗ The tuition of $39,680 is high for a private university of its size.
- ✗ Peoria is a mid-sized city, which may feel limiting for students seeking a major metropolitan experience.
- ✗ The overall enrollment of under 4,000 students means fewer course options and clubs compared to larger universities.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Bradley is particularly well-known for its top-ranked programs in engineering, business, and health professions. It has a unique and highly-regarded partnership with OSF HealthCare through the Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center, providing students with state-of-the-art experiential learning. The university also has a strong reputation for its visual and performing arts programs.
Bradley University has an acceptance rate of 76.66%, making it generally accessible but still selective. A competitive applicant typically has a strong GPA and an SAT score around the average of 1237. The admissions process is holistic, so essays, recommendations, and extracurricular involvement are important factors.
Campus life at Bradley is characterized by a strong sense of community and school spirit, especially around its NCAA Division I athletics. With a student body of under 4,000, it's easy to get involved in over 200 student organizations and build close relationships with peers and professors. The urban setting of Peoria allows students to explore off-campus dining and activities while maintaining a traditional campus feel.
For many students, Bradley is a worthwhile investment. The average net price is significantly lower than the sticker price, and the 10-year median earnings of $66,852 suggest strong post-graduation earning potential. The high retention and graduation rates, combined with robust career services, indicate that students are well-prepared for the workforce, maximizing the value of their degree.
Similar Universities
Top Employers
Next Steps & Tools
Make the best decision with our free planning tools.
Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 4,260
- In-State Tuition $39,680
- Zip Code 61625
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
While the sticker price is high, the average net price of $23,572 makes it more accessible, especially for the nearly 30% of students receiving Pell Grants. The 10-year median earnings of $66,852 indicate a solid return on investment, particularly for graduates in high-demand fields like engineering and health professions. The strong graduation and retention rates suggest students are well-supported to complete their degrees on time.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.