Bradley vs. ISU

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Bradley based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 4,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bradley University is located in Peoria, IL (Midsize City setting); Illinois State University is in Normal, IL (Small City setting).
• Bradley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bradley University 11:1; Illinois State University 19:1.

Bradley vs. ISU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bradley or ISU? 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 Illinois State University than Bradley ($21,369 vs. $23,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 12.9% lower than at Bradley University ($11,754 vs. $13,500).
• Bradley University is 161.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $26,016 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.5% higher at Bradley than at Illinois State University (about $13,950 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bradley University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bradley University students is 137.5% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($30,808 vs. $12,974).

Bradley vs. ISU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bradley University (1200) is 100 points higher than at ISU (1100).
• Incoming Bradley students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at ISU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 1090/1300; Illinois State University 990/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 25/31; Illinois State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bradley - Test-free; ISU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bradley students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at ISU (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Bradley (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at Bradley vs. 22.5% at ISU.

Bradley vs. ISU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bradley and ISU? 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 Illinois State University's (71%).
• Graduates from Bradley University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,800 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Bradley graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bradley graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More Bradley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ISU students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 74%)

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.