About Bradley University
Bradley University has built its reputation around strong business programs and competitive Division I basketball in the Missouri Valley Conference. The private full university enrolls 3,865 students in midsize Peoria, Illinois. Notable graduates include actor David Koechner and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Students face a 75% acceptance rate, with average test scores of 1165 SAT or 27 ACT.
The financial picture tells a mixed story. While sticker price hits $53,730 annually, students typically pay $23,572 after aid. Graduates earn a median $66,852 ten years out, but carry $27,000 in debt with monthly payments of $286. The math works better for lower-income families, who pay just $17,762 net price. Only 29% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting Bradley attracts middle and upper-middle class families who can handle the costs.
Campus life revolves around a tight-knit community where 84% of students return for sophomore year. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates personal connections rare at larger universities. With 82% of students coming from Illinois, Bradley feels like an extended network of Prairie State natives. Housing accommodates about half the student body in residence halls that build lasting friendships.
The financial picture tells a mixed story. While sticker price hits $53,730 annually, students typically pay $23,572 after aid. Graduates earn a median $66,852 ten years out, but carry $27,000 in debt with monthly payments of $286. The math works better for lower-income families, who pay just $17,762 net price. Only 29% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting Bradley attracts middle and upper-middle class families who can handle the costs.
Campus life revolves around a tight-knit community where 84% of students return for sophomore year. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates personal connections rare at larger universities. With 82% of students coming from Illinois, Bradley feels like an extended network of Prairie State natives. Housing accommodates about half the student body in residence halls that build lasting friendships.
Academics & Faculty
Bradley University built its reputation as a full private university with particularly strong business and engineering programs. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know students by name. With a 74% four-year graduation rate, most students finish on time despite the rigorous coursework. The business school draws students interested in entrepreneurship and corporate careers, while the engineering programs prepare graduates for technical roles in manufacturing and technology. Nearly 84% of first-year students return for sophomore year, reflecting solid academic support systems. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and internships, helping explain why 97% of graduates find employment or continue their education within six months.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 57.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 74.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 72.1%
- Retention Rate
- 84.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $66,852
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $84,653 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,680 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,456 |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,897 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,899 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,420 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,621 |
| Construction Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,238 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $64,773 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,921 |
Campus Life
Bradley's compact campus sits in Peoria, Illinois's midsize urban setting, about 150 miles from Chicago. With housing capacity for 2,007 students and total enrollment of 3,865, roughly half of undergraduates live on campus. Midwest winters demand serious coats and boots, while spring brings perfect weather for walking between the red-brick buildings that define Bradley's traditional collegiate look.
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit academic environment where professors know students by name. Basketball dominates campus culture during Missouri Valley Conference play, with students packing Carver Arena to cheer the Braves. Peoria's riverfront and downtown entertainment district provide weekend options beyond campus parties. With 81.60% of students coming from Illinois, many head home on weekends, though campus programming keeps residential students engaged. Greek life and intramural sports create social circles for the diverse student body that's 51.28% female. The business school's reputation draws ambitious students who balance study sessions with Division I athletic events and volunteer work throughout the metro area.
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit academic environment where professors know students by name. Basketball dominates campus culture during Missouri Valley Conference play, with students packing Carver Arena to cheer the Braves. Peoria's riverfront and downtown entertainment district provide weekend options beyond campus parties. With 81.60% of students coming from Illinois, many head home on weekends, though campus programming keeps residential students engaged. Greek life and intramural sports create social circles for the diverse student body that's 51.28% female. The business school's reputation draws ambitious students who balance study sessions with Division I athletic events and volunteer work throughout the metro area.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,007 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1897
Campus Safety (2023)
47 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Fondling | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–33°F
- July Avg
- 66°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 26.2"
Student Demographics
Bradley draws heavily from Illinois, with over 80% of students coming from in-state. The strong local pull reflects the university's deep roots in central Illinois and its reputation among regional families. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for a full university with strong programs across multiple fields. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Bradley serves a mix of middle-class and working-class families. The diverse student body includes significant Hispanic and Black representation. Most students come from Illinois communities that value Bradley's combination of personal attention and Division I athletics.
- Men
- 48.7%
- Women
- 51.3%
- White
- 62.6%
- Black
- 10.7%
- Hispanic
- 14.2%
- Asian
- 4.3%
- In-State Students
- 81.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.4%
Location
Bradley University sits in Peoria, Illinois, about 165 miles southwest of Chicago. The city of 113,000 residents anchors central Illinois along the Illinois River. Peoria blends Midwestern industrial heritage with modern healthcare and technology sectors. The university's 85-acre campus occupies a hillside neighborhood overlooking downtown. Students find internship opportunities at major employers like Caterpillar's global headquarters and OSF HealthCare. The Missouri Valley Conference basketball games draw packed crowds to Carver Arena downtown. Winter temperatures average in the 20s, while summers reach the 80s across the prairie landscape. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Bradley University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Peoria, Illinois 61625-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $66,852
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $67,615
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $45,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Bradley University?
Bradley University accepts 75% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1050-1280 on the SAT, with an average of 1165.
How much does Bradley University cost after financial aid?
While tuition runs $39,680, the average net price drops to $23,572 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,762 on average, and graduates carry a manageable median debt of $27,000.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Bradley University?
Bradley maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio across its 3,865 students. The university is known for strong business programs and maintains a solid 84% retention rate.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Bradley University?
Bradley graduates earn a median salary of $66,852 ten years after graduation with a 96.6% employment rate. The university's strong business reputation and alumni network, including former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, help open career doors.
Where do Bradley University students live on campus?
Bradley houses 2,007 students on campus in Peoria, Illinois, with room and board costing $12,850. The mid-sized city setting provides an urban environment while maintaining the close-knit feel of a private university.
Does Bradley University compete in Division I athletics?
Bradley competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Missouri Valley Conference with 11 varsity sports. The Braves are particularly known for basketball, and the athletic program awards $4.9 million in scholarships across 201 student-athletes.
