Bradley vs. Northern Illinois

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Bradley based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 4,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bradley University is located in Peoria, IL (Midsize City setting); Northern Illinois University is in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting).
• Bradley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bradley University 11:1; Northern Illinois University 15:1.

Bradley vs. Northern Illinois Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bradley or Northern Illinois? 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 Northern Illinois University than Bradley ($14,243 vs. $23,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bradley University are 4.7% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($13,500 vs. $14,160).
• Bradley University is 218.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $28,912 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 218.2% higher at Bradley than at Northern Illinois University (about $28,912 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bradley University than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bradley University students is 114.1% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($30,808 vs. $14,387).

Bradley vs. Northern Illinois Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bradley University (1200) is 140 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Bradley students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at Northern Illinois).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 1090/1300; Northern Illinois University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 25/31; Northern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bradley - Test-free; Northern Illinois - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bradley students have a 0.53 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Bradley has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at Bradley vs. 12.1% at Northern Illinois.

Bradley vs. Northern Illinois Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bradley and Northern Illinois? 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 Northern Illinois University's (56%).
• Graduates from Bradley University earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than Northern Illinois graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,800 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $3,141 lower median loan debt than Bradley graduates ($23,859 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bradley graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Bradley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 61%)

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.