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Established in 1897, Bradley University (BU) is a private university in Peoria, Illinois that prides itself on offering a diverse and engaging learning environment to prepare its students for successful careers and fulfilling lives. Bradley University's campus encompasses 85 acres near an upscale, historic, residential neighborhood known as West Bluff, just a mile from Peoria downtown.


Overview of Bradley University (BU)


This university houses six undergraduate schools or colleges, including its signature Charley Steiner School of Sports Communication that offers unique programs tailored specifically for sports journalists and broadcasters. Bradley University is regularly recognized and ranked among the Midwest's premier regional universities by US News & World Report.

Overall, Bradley University is an illustrious private university known for its personalized approach and student success. Offering undergraduate schools and colleges, such as the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts and the Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, it provides its students with an exceptional educational experience and provides financial aid so that students may pursue their education without financial worries being an impediment.

General Information


School Type Private not-for-profit
Campus Setting City: Midsize
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 14 : 1
Graduation Rate 76%
Year Founded 1897

Student Enrollment


Total Students5,855

Undergraduate
4,574
Graduate
1,281

Undergraduate Student

Male 2,241
2,241
Female 2,333
2,333

Graduate Student

Male 628
628
Female 653
653

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BU Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS10,202

Male 4,136
Female 6,066

ACCEPTANCE7,447

Male 3,061
Female 4,428

Acceptance Rate73%

Male 74%
Female 73%

Enrollment 1,043

Male 501
Female 542
Admissions
Application Fee N/A
High School GPA Required
High School Rank Recommended
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Required
Recommendations Recommended
SAT/ACT Considered But Not Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) N/A
Application Deadline Rolling
Common Application Accepted Yes

BU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


Tuition costs should be an important consideration for any student choosing between universities. At Bradley University, undergraduate attendance costs for full-time degree seekers in the 2022-23 academic year included various expenses that amounted to an estimated $53,400 for the full year. This includes the base of $37,800 for tuition, $1,200 for books and supplies, $12,196 for room and board, $2,240 for ‘other’ costs – such as health insurance and transportation, and various personal costs.

These room and board costs are for those living on campus, though the estimated cost was the same for those students living on- or off-campus. Only those who lived with family saved on room and board. Note that tuition costs are subject to change; students should refer to Bradley University's official website for up to date information on its pricing estimates to plan their educational journey effectively.

However, it’s good to know that BU strives to offer students a range of financial aid options to make higher education more accessible, with over 95% receiving some form of aid such as scholarships, grants, or student loans in a recent year. Bradley is dedicated to helping its students meet their educational goals without financial restrictions limiting them. Students can find scholarships, grants, work study programs, or loans that will help them pay for their education. In 2021-22, the average net price after financial aid had been applied was $24,053.

Average net price Current Year
Net Price $25,850
Average Total Aid $22,464
Students Receiving Financial Aid 100%
Room & Board $11,280

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $35,480
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $35,480
  • Books and Supplies - $1,200
  • Room & Board -$11,280
  • Other - $2,240

Popular Academic Programs at BU


At Bradley University, students can explore a diverse selection of academic programs. This university boasts six undergraduate schools or colleges offering unique opportunities for its students: Foster College of Business, Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts, Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology, College of Education and Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Charley Steiner School of Sports Communication.

In these colleges, programs provide students with insight from industry professionals while they develop practical skills necessary for careers in their chosen fields. BU’s undergraduate entrepreneurship program has also received national acclaim. Students have access to mentoring services, networking events, and funding solutions for student startups through the entrepreneurship department.

Bradley University provides its students with a rich academic environment, focused on programs in biological sciences, business and management, accounting, communication and journalism, computer science, education, engineering, English, family and consumer sciences, health professions, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, visual and performing arts, and more.

Student Population Total


Student Population 5,855

Undergraduate
4,574
Graduate
1,281
Evening Classes : No
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Business Majors 193 Total Graduates / 19%
Accounting 37 Graduates
Business Administration and Management, General 34 Graduates
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 25 Graduates
Construction Management, General 19 Graduates
Finance, General 19 Graduates
All Engineering Majors 161 Total Graduates / 15%
Mechanical Engineering 73 Graduates
Civil Engineering, General 31 Graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering 21 Graduates
Manufacturing Engineering 16 Graduates
All Health Professions and Related Majors 149 Total Graduates / 14%
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 89 Graduates
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other 38 Graduates
Dietetics/Dietitian 16 Graduates
Public Health Education and Promotion 3 Graduates
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist 3 Graduates
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs 99 Total Graduates / 10%
Sports Communication 25 Graduates
Radio and Television 24 Graduates
Public Relations/Image Management 18 Graduates
Advertising 15 Graduates
Visual and Performing Arts 80 Total Graduates / 8%
Game and Interactive Media Design 19 Graduates
Graphic Design 17 Graduates
Music Management 16 Graduates
Photography 7 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 34%

Outcome & Salary


Bradley University stands out among universities by producing impressive graduate outcomes, reflecting its dedication to preparing its students for success in their post-graduation endeavors. Bradley offers many resources and programs designed to aid its graduates as they embark upon successful careers after graduating.

Bradley University boasts excellent job placement rates among graduates from its various programs, with many undergraduate students finding employment within six months of graduating in their chosen fields. In fact, 91% of undergraduate graduates from the 2021-22 year were either employed (78%) or in continuing education (14%) within a year. Furthermore, graduates often secure competitive starting salaries that reflect the quality of education and skills acquired during their time at BU.

Notable alumni from BU have achieved great success in various fields. These range from business leaders and politicians to engineers, healthcare providers, and others. Bradley alumni excel across numerous industries while making an immeasurable difference in their respective communities.

BU also has an excellent graduation rate of 76%, well above the national average and showing the school’s dedication to supporting its students until graduation and providing them with opportunities for rewarding careers.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $60,100
College Grads Average Salary $69,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $116,200
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $690,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,852,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $103,400
10 Year Projected ROI $586,600
20 Year Projected ROI $1,748,600
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840
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