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Bradley University

Peoria, IL·Private nonprofit·3,865 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $58,300 within 10 years; financial aid brings net price below sticker.

77%
Accept
3,865
Students
$23,572
Net Price
72%
Grad Rate
$58,300
Earnings
10 yr
$23,250
Debt

About This School

Bradley University is a private nonprofit institution located in Peoria, Illinois with approximately 3,865 undergraduate students enrolled. Bradley University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 77%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,572 per year. The graduation rate is 72%, and the typical graduate earns $58,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Bradley University is a private university in Peoria, Illinois, United States. Founded in 1897, Bradley University enrolls 5,200 students who are pursuing degrees in more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 30 graduate programs in five colleges. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and 22 specialized and professional accreditors.

Worth considering if you want a smaller private university experience without the elite price tag — the average net cost of $23,572/year is reasonable, and graduates earn a median of $58,300 a decade out, which covers the $23,250 median debt load comfortably. The 84% freshman retention rate suggests students generally feel at home here, though a 72% graduation rate means roughly 1 in 4 students doesn't finish, so it's worth asking what support systems are in place. A solid choice for motivated students who want hands-on access to faculty in a mid-sized city setting, but go in with a plan to stay on track.

Founded
1897
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Engineering18%
Business & Marketing16%
Health Professions14%
Computer Science8%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Psychology7%
Communications7%
Education7%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Philip José FarmerDanny GrangerNeil FlynnLaura KellyAnthony ParkerTimothy TreadwellJohn ShalikashviliRay LaHoodHersey HawkinsAaron SchockChet WalkerRobert Henry Lawrence

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1237
Reading 75th %ile650
Math 75th %ile650

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite27

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$39,680
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,680
Avg Net Price
$23,572
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants29%
Median debt at graduation$23,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
72%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
84%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$58,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$45,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$58,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.5x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White63%
Black11%
Hispanic/Latino14%
Asian4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,865 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Bradley University

1501 W BRADLEY AVE

Peoria, IL 61625-0001

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Illinois

Browse all Illinois schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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