Bradley vs. McKendree University

Comparable Facts

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

Bradley University is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (4,777 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bradley University is located in Peoria, IL (Midsize City setting); McKendree University is in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• Bradley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bradley University 11:1; McKendree University 16:1.

Bradley vs. McKendree University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bradley or McKendree University? 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 McKendree University than Bradley ($22,444 vs. $23,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McKendree University are 5.6% lower than at Bradley University ($12,742 vs. $13,500).
• Bradley University is 21.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than McKendree University (about $7,420 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.4% higher at Bradley than at McKendree University (about $7,420 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bradley University than at McKendree University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bradley University students is 18% larger than aid received by McKendree University students ($30,808 vs. $26,102).

Bradley vs. McKendree University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bradley University (1200) is 130 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming Bradley students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 23 at McKendree University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 1090/1300; McKendree University 871/1277.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 25/31; McKendree University 18/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bradley - Test-free; McKendree University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Bradley students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• Bradley has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at Bradley vs. 18.8% at McKendree University.

Bradley vs. McKendree University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bradley and McKendree University? 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 McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from Bradley University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than McKendree University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,800 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Bradley graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bradley graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Bradley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 58%)

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.