At $23,572/yr net price, Bradley University graduates earn $66,852/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $32,852/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,572 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,288 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,852/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,852/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,762/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,472/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,392/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,476/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,736/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,680 | $27,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,456 | $61,500 |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,897 | $27,000 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,899 | $25,685 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,420 | $27,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,621 | $27,000 |
| Construction Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,238 | |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $64,773 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,921 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
72.1% of students at Bradley University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Bradley University delivers solid financial returns despite its private school price tag, with graduates earning a median $66,852 ten years out against $27,000 in typical debt. The school's Illinois location and strong business connections create decent earning potential, though your major choice will determine whether you see strong returns or struggle financially.
Business administration graduates lead earnings at $84,653 annually, making this program Bradley's clear financial winner. Engineering majors also perform well, with electrical and manufacturing engineering graduates earning around $70,000 with manageable debt loads under $27,000. Industrial engineering offers similar returns with slightly lower debt at $25,685.
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions present Bradley's biggest financial risk. While graduates earn $70,456, they carry $61,500 in debt - more than double the school average. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment challenging and significantly reduces your net financial benefit.
You should consider Bradley if you plan to study business or engineering and can handle the $23,572 annual net price. The 72% graduation rate means nearly three in ten students never finish, creating additional financial risk if you struggle academically. Only 29% of students receive need-based aid, so middle-income families often pay close to full price without significant merit relief.
Skip Bradley if you need substantial financial aid or plan to study lower-earning majors. The combination of high private school costs with limited aid makes this school financially risky for students without clear career paths in business or engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bradley University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Bradley's $23,572 annual net price leads to median earnings of $66,852 after 10 years, which is reasonable but not exceptional for a private university. The 72% graduation rate is solid, though the relatively high acceptance rate of 75% suggests less selectivity than top-tier schools.
What are the best paying majors at Bradley University?
Business Administration graduates earn the highest median salary at $84,653, followed by engineering programs like electrical and manufacturing engineering in the $67,000-$70,000 range. These programs offer the strongest return on investment at Bradley.
How much debt do Bradley University students typically graduate with?
Bradley graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable given the school's graduate earning potential. This debt level is reasonable for a private university, especially for students in higher-paying programs like business and engineering.
Does Bradley University provide good value for Illinois students?
Bradley offers decent value for students who can get into competitive programs like business or engineering and graduate within four years. However, students should compare costs carefully with public Illinois options, as the private school premium may not justify the additional expense for all majors.