About Bradley University

Founded in 1897, Bradley University. is a Private college. Located in Illinois, which is a city setting in Illinois, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 4,473 full time undergraduate students, and 1,125 full time graduate students.

The Bradley University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 12:1. There are 346 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Bradley University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate69%
Application Deadline
Application Fee0
SAT Range960-1240
ACT Range22-28

Admissions at BU are considered Selective, with ,43% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 11 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

94% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 69% were in the top quarter, and 35% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Bradley University.

21%
“We”re apathetic”
33%
“We know about current events and vote”
42%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
33%
“Sometimes, but not often”
52%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
11%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
17%
“I only go out in groups”
46%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
37%
“I feel extremely safe”
3%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
61%
“We bought the gear”
36%
“We live for the big game”
2%
“It”s not really our thing”
27%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
59%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
11%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
4%
“Available in class”
52%
“They keep regular office hours”
43%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
9%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
66%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
25%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
2%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
15%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
54%
“We only party on weekends”
28%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
9%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
60%
“There might be people who do”
30%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
1%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    120 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 12 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    83 Students rated off-campus housing 3.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    122 Students rated campus food 3.1 stars. 4 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    123 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    123 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 60 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    121 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    123 Students rated local services 3.7 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    123 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

Bradley University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Bradley University?

40 Students rated Bradley University

cheyenne - 06/05/2024

it is a really good school, but with the recent issues they are suffering from it can stand to improve a lot. However, beyond the fact of improvement with the people in charge of budgeting their spending, it is one of the best schools to be involved and to be apart of.

Paige - 12/07/2020

I have always loved Bradley University. I started visiting when I was 4 years old because my dad is an alum. Going to Bradley was a dream of mine. The professors are all super reliable and I have never had a bad experience with any of them. They truly care about us as students and want to know how we are doing as people. The classes are a great size so friends are easy to make. If you want an institution that makes you feel comfortable and at home, Bradley is the place for you!

Michaela - 08/29/2020

I think the academics, classes, after-class activities, and facilities are very good. Sometimes the surrounding area can get a little rough but overall, this is a good school. another thing is, the campus is constantly changing and adapting to new things presented to it so, that's a great thing in my opinion.

Jessica - 05/26/2020

Overall I have enjoyed my first year at Bradley University. I lived in the freshman-only dorm with about 30 other girls on my floor, and the dorms are a decent size and the community is very welcoming. There are multiple options for food on campus including dining halls and restaurants, and the food is pretty good. The most important part for me is that the campus is a very accessible and a much smaller size, making it easy to get to classes in a short time and having everything within a short walking distance.

Bradley University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Bradley University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Bradley University is 69%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    My college experience has afforded me the opportunity to pursue an exciting future. I have grown more throughout being in university than I ever could have imagined. I am now more focused, motivated, and productive. I am genuinely excited to utilize everything I have learned in my undergraduate work, and everything I have yet to learn in law school to do what I can to help others and enrich lives.

    Read all 122 answers

  3. Describe the students at your school.

    Typical college students who, although they do work hard, like to party hard too.

    Read all 69 answers

  4. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Bradley Students come from wealthy suburbs, Bradley students are preppy, Bradley students excel well in their classes. The greek life drinks a lot.

    Read all 57 answers

  5. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Not at all.

    Read all 56 answers

  6. What are the academics like at your school?

    Yes, professors know my name; favorite would have to be Accounting, but I'm just weird like that. I don't know if I really had a least favorite; everyone I know study all the time, but I never study; class participation is a big part of most of my classes; I'm sure some Bradley students have intellectual conversations; I don't really see much competitiveness between students; I suppose West Civ and Comp, since it was an honors class and year-long; Accounting is the best thing in the world. I don't know much about the department, although I love how they do have the 3-2 thingy to get a Master's; I have met with several of my professors outside of class; I suppose the requirements are standard, nothing too special or hard about the gen eds; I would say Bradley is half and half with learning for a career and learning just to learn. I think Bradley has a good balance.

    Read all 55 answers

  7. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    I absolutely love Bradley. It's so quaint. It has its own small bubble, and I feel completely safe while on campus. But unlike some other small schools I've seen, its not in the middle of nowhere, all you have to do is walk two blocks and you're in a city. Wouldn't change anything; just the right size; most people ask where it is; outside the dorms or on the quad; Peoria is definitely not based around Bradley; the administration is good; um, the upping of drinking tickets?; yes, a lot of school pride, everyone wears Bradley clothing; not really anything unusual; can't remember anything too special, just a lot of little things; costs of drinking tickets.

    Read all 51 answers

  8. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Greek life is big on campus. I am an alumna of a sorority on campus. The campus, in general, is big on community service and getting involved with the community around us. The things to do off campus would be to go to the movies, parks, mall or out to eat.

    Read all 48 answers

  9. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    What caught my eye about Braldey was that it was a medium sized campus. It had all the features of a campus setting except it felt more close knit than a larger university. I like the fact that it is only about a five minute walk across campus. I really liked the friendly vibe on campus. Bradley felt more lively and more welcoming than the other universities I visited. Bradley was the only university where the tour guides bragged about how close of a community Bradley was, and that it was truly a home away from home.

    Read all 36 answers

  10. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    Watch your money. This school is not cheap. If you can get a job off campus you will be very happy. Book are very very expensive, if you can order them online or find them somewhere else cheaper, you will save lots of money. I would also suggest taking general education classes somewhere else to save money.

    Read all 32 answers

  11. What's unique about your campus?

    The size.

    Read all 31 answers

  12. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The worst thing about my school is that it is in another state and I am not able to attend classes on campus.

    Read all 25 answers

  13. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    The Engineering School brought in a lot of students.

    Read all 24 answers

  14. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    A small friendly campus that offers alot.

    Read all 21 answers

  15. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    There is not a ton of spirit in the school and I wish we had a football team

    Read all 18 answers

  16. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Everyone is welcome! I don't think anyone should avoid Bradley.

    Read all 18 answers

  17. What kind of person should attend this school?

    The kind of person that should attend this school is the person who wants a healthy mix of fun and schoolwork. There's always something going on on or off campus on every weekend, whether it is alcohol related or not, and during the week we have many extra-curriculars to attend. We also have a challenging program for students, so it is good in that aspect as well.

    Read all 16 answers

  18. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    The 3:2 program for my major. It is basically three years bachelor's, two years master's, and in five years I will graduate with both degrees. My school is strong in my area of study, and the degree will mean a lot to my future.

    Read all 12 answers

  19. Tell us about the sports scene on campus.

    Bradley's cheerleaders do a routine at a basketball game

    Read all 1 answers

  20. Describe the best and worst parts of the social scene on campus.

    the band Jack's Mannequin performs at Bradley

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

51%

female

49%

male

4,473

Total Undergrad Enrollment

1,125

Total Grad Students

22%

Out-Of-State

77%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

237

Student Organizations

16

Fraternities

10

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

63%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
3%
% Black or African-American
5%
% Hispanic/Latino
7%
% White or Caucasian
57%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

99% of students attending Bradley University receive some sort of financial aid. 24% were awarded federal grants. While 69% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$32,120

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,200

Books and Supplies

$10,010

Room and Board

43,330

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$20,640
$30 - $48K
$19,102
$48 - $75K
$21,455
$75 - $110K
$27,170
$110K & UP
$31,926

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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