Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Peoria, Illinois |
| Online | bradley.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Bradley University occupies a 84-acre hilltop campus in Peoria, Illinois, approximately 160 miles southwest of Chicago. Founded in 1897 as Bradley Polytechnic Institute, the private university maintains its original focus on practical scholarship while offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is known for its engineering, business, communications, and interactive media programs, with particular strengths in game design and animation. Bradley's campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the Renaissance Revival-style Bradley Hall, and provides housing for most undergraduates in traditional residence halls and student apartments. As a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, Bradley competes in NCAA Division I athletics, with its men's basketball program having a notable tournament history.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Bradley is rated within the top 29% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Bradley University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#192 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#151 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#6 in Best Colleges in Illinois
#5 in Best Private Colleges in Illinois
#111 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#8 in Best Value Colleges in Illinois
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1090/1300 |
| ACT | 25/31 |
| GPA | 3.83 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $432 |
| Room and Board | $12,850 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,240 |
| Total One Year Cost | $55,970 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 18% |
| Engineering | 13% |
| Health Professions | 12% |
| Communication | 10% |
| Education | 9% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Bradley are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=143358 IPEDS survey data for Bradley University.
Current students may use the Bradley University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025