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 gives you a solid financial return, especially if you land in an engineering or computing major. At a $23,572 net price and $66,852 median earnings ten years out, the math works better here than at most private schools, because your debt tops out around $27,000 and stays close to one year of post-graduation pay.
The payoff concentrates in engineering. Electrical engineering leads at $70,680, and manufacturing, industrial, mechanical, and computer science all clear $66,000. Peoria is Caterpillar country, so a manufacturing or mechanical engineering degree here plugs straight into regional employers. That geographic fit is the strongest argument for choosing Bradley over a cheaper public option. Notice that industrial engineering graduates carry slightly less debt ($25,685) while earning nearly as much as the top program.
The risk is that no non-engineering program shows up on the earnings list. If you enroll for business, communications, health sciences, or education, you are paying a private-school price without any listed data showing those majors return the same. Borrow the median $27,000 for a lower-paying field and the return gets thin fast.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families and punish the middle. Under $30k, you pay $17,762. over $110k, you pay $29,736. But the $48-75k tier jumps to $19,392 and the $75-110k tier hits $25,476, so a family earning $90,000 pays close to full sticker with limited need aid to soften it.
Choose Bradley if you are committed to an engineering or computer science degree and want to work in the Midwest manufacturing corridor. If you are undecided or leaning toward a non-technical major, price out a public university first, because Bradley's return depends heavily on which door you walk through.
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.