Bradley vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bradley University in Peoria, IL with Widener University in Chester, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Widener University is larger than Bradley based on total student enrollment (5,713 students vs. 4,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bradley University is located in Peoria, IL (Midsize City setting); Widener University is in Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bradley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Widener University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bradley University 11:1; Widener University 11:1.

Bradley vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bradley or Widener University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bradley University than Widener University ($23,787 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bradley University are 18.3% lower than at Widener University ($13,500 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 32.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bradley (about $13,570 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $42,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.2% higher at Widener University than at Bradley University (about $13,570 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $42,160.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bradley University as at Widener University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 41.9% larger than aid received by Bradley University students ($43,706 vs. $30,808).

Bradley vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bradley or Widener University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Widener University and Bradley.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bradley University (1200) is 10 points higher than at Widener University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 1090/1300; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bradley - Test-free; Widener University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bradley students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• Bradley has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at Bradley vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

Bradley vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bradley and Widener University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bradley University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Widener University's (54%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Bradley graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $56,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Widener University and Bradley graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Widener University and Bradley graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Bradley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Widener University students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 68%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.