Bradley vs. BSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bradley University in Peoria, IL with Ball State University in Muncie, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ball State University is larger than Bradley based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 4,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bradley University is located in Peoria, IL (Midsize City setting); Ball State University is in Muncie, IN (Small City setting).
• Bradley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bradley University 11:1; Ball State University 14:1.

Bradley vs. BSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bradley or BSU? 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 Ball State University than Bradley ($13,599 vs. $23,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ball State University are 8.6% lower than at Bradley University ($12,334 vs. $13,500).
• Bradley University is 280.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $31,078 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.3% higher at Bradley than at Ball State University (about $12,530 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $29,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bradley University than at Ball State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bradley University students is 133.1% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($30,808 vs. $13,218).

Bradley vs. BSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bradley or BSU? 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 BSU and Bradley.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bradley University (1200) is 30 points higher than at BSU (1170).
• Incoming Bradley students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at BSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 1090/1300; Ball State University 1080/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 25/31; Ball State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bradley - Test-free; BSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bradley students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at BSU (3.52).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than Bradley (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at Bradley vs. 20.4% at BSU.

Bradley vs. BSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bradley and BSU? 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 Ball State University's (55%).
• Graduates from Bradley University earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than BSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,800 vs. $42,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ball State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Bradley graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, BSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bradley graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Bradley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BSU students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 63%)

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.