Overview of Bradley University
Bradley University, located in Peoria, Illinois, is a private institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and a personalized approach to education. Established in 1897, Bradley has a rich history and a reputation for preparing students for successful careers through a combination of rigorous academics, experiential learning, and a supportive community.
Academic Programs: Bradley University offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university is organized into several colleges, including the Foster College of Business, College of Education and Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology. Bradley’s academic offerings encompass fields such as business, engineering, health sciences, the arts, and the humanities.
The faculty at Bradley are known for their expertise and commitment to teaching. The university’s emphasis on a student-centered approach fosters a dynamic learning environment where students receive individualized attention and have opportunities for mentorship and collaboration with faculty members.
Experiential Learning: One of Bradley University’s distinguishing features is its emphasis on experiential learning. The university is dedicated to providing students with hands-on experiences that complement classroom instruction. Whether through internships, cooperative education programs, research projects, or study abroad opportunities, Bradley students have the chance to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
The Smith Career Center at Bradley plays a vital role in connecting students with internship and job opportunities, helping them navigate their career paths and transition successfully from academics to the professional world.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Bradley University has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. The Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation is dedicated to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students, providing resources, mentorship, and programs to help them develop and launch their own ventures. The university’s commitment to innovation is also reflected in its emphasis on research and collaboration with industry partners.
The Peoria NEXT Innovation Center, affiliated with Bradley, is an incubator for technology-based startups and a hub for research and development activities. This collaboration between the university and the business community contributes to the region’s economic development and provides students with unique opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects.
Campus and Facilities: The Bradley University campus is characterized by a mix of historic and modern buildings, creating a picturesque and vibrant atmosphere. The Markin Family Student Recreation Center, equipped with fitness facilities, recreational spaces, and an indoor track, supports students’ physical well-being. The Cullom-Davis Library serves as a central resource for academic research and study.
The Caterpillar Global Communications Center, home to the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology, is a state-of-the-art facility that enhances the learning environment for engineering students. The university’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its LEED-certified buildings and green initiatives.
Student Life: Bradley University offers a diverse and engaging student life experience. With a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities, students have the opportunity to pursue their interests and develop leadership skills. The Bradley Braves, the university’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division I and contribute to the school spirit and sense of community on campus.
The Student Activities Office organizes events, concerts, and cultural programs, enhancing the overall student experience. Fraternities and sororities also play a role in fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Community Engagement: Bradley University is actively engaged with the Peoria community and beyond. The university’s commitment to service and community engagement is evident through initiatives that address local needs and contribute to the well-being of the region. Whether through volunteer programs, service-learning courses, or collaborative projects, Bradley students are encouraged to make a positive impact in the community.
Diversity and Inclusion: Bradley University values diversity and inclusion and strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds. The university’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its recruitment efforts, scholarships, and initiatives that promote inclusivity on campus.
Alumni Success: Bradley University has a strong and accomplished alumni network that includes leaders in various fields. Graduates of Bradley can be found in positions of influence in business, healthcare, technology, the arts, and more. The university’s emphasis on preparing students for successful and impactful careers is evident in the achievements of its alumni.
Bradley University stands as a dynamic institution that combines academic rigor, experiential learning, innovation, and a vibrant campus life. With a commitment to preparing students for success in their chosen fields and fostering a sense of community and responsibility, Bradley continues to play a crucial role in shaping the educational experiences and future successes of its students.
1501 W. Bradley Avenue Peoria, IL 61625
Phone: (800) 447-6460
Email: admissions@bradley.edu
Web site: http://www.bradley.edu
Rankings: Bradley University
Located in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is one of the best universities in the state of Illinois. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Bradley University in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Bradley University.
Bradley University is consistently recognized as one of the top universities in the nation. It was ranked #7 in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Undergraduate Teaching” category for 2021, and #136 overall among national universities. In addition, Forbes ranked Bradley #182 in its “America’s Top Colleges” list for 2021. The Princeton Review also recognized Bradley as one of the best colleges in the Midwest, and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance ranked it #64 in its list of “Best Values: Private Universities.” Bradley is also highly rated by The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings, which placed it at #122 among all national universities for 2021.
The university’s academic programs are also highly regarded; Bradley offers over 100 undergraduate majors and minors across six colleges – Arts & Sciences, Business, Communications, Education & Health Sciences, Engineering & Technology, and Fine Arts & Communication – as well as a number of graduate programs. In particular, the Foster College of Business Administration was recently ranked #45 nationally by Bloomberg Businessweek for its Master of Business Administration program; it was also named one of the top 25 public business schools by U.S. News & World Report for 2021-22. The university’s other graduate programs have also earned recognition; its School of Education is ranked among the top 100 in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools” list for 2021-22 while its College of Nursing is one of only three nursing schools to receive a perfect score from U.S News & World Report for 2020-21 . Finally, Bradley has been named a “Military Friendly School” by G.I Jobs magazine since 2011 due to its commitment to veterans and active military personnel enrolled at the university.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 6 |
| Score: | 82 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 3.7 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 2 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 87.8% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 75.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 15 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 50.3% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 3.2% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 13:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 82.0% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 7 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 22-27 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 29% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 64% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 80.9% |
| Financial resources rank: | 20 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 25 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 16.9% |
Essential Facts: Bradley University
- Bradley has appeared in nine NCAA Tournaments, including two Final Fours, finishing as the national runner-up in 1950 and 1954.
- Bradley University typically requires applicants to be in the top 32 percent of SAT test takers.
- Bradley University is among the first universities in the nation to have a school of entrepreneurship and the first established as a freestanding academic unit.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 68% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 33% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 27% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 75% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 44% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited, smoking prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA I |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | basketball, cross country, golf, softball, tennis, track and field (indoor), track and field (outdoor), volleyball |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, symphony orchestra |