Overview
Founded in 1897 by Lydia Moss Bradley as Bradley Polytechnic Institute, Bradley University has grown into a comprehensive private institution in Peoria, Illinois, offering undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines. The university built its early reputation on practical, hands-on education in engineering and industrial arts, and it has since expanded into business, health sciences, communications, and the liberal arts while maintaining a strong emphasis on experiential learning and career readiness. Bradley is regarded as one of the stronger regional private universities in the Midwest, with particularly well-respected programs in engineering, business, and health sciences.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Peoria, Illinois |
| Founded | 1897 |
| Total students | 4,700 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 13:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 75% |
| Graduation rate | 70% |
| Average starting salary | $58,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $38,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $38,000 |
| Room & board | $12,500 |
| Average financial aid | $24,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 95% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1080-1290 |
| ACT range | 22-28 |
| Average GPA | 3.6 |
| Regular deadline | August 1 |
Top Programs
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business Administration
- Nursing
- Actuarial Science
- Multimedia and Interactive Technologies
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.