Bradley vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

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

Bradley University is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (4,777 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bradley University is located in Peoria, IL (Midsize City setting); Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting).
• Bradley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bradley University 11:1; Spring Arbor University 12:1.

Bradley vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bradley or SAU? 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 Spring Arbor University than Bradley ($21,067 vs. $23,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 15.3% lower than at Bradley University ($11,440 vs. $13,500).
• Bradley University is 23.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $8,146 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.9% higher at Bradley than at Spring Arbor University (about $8,146 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bradley University as at Spring Arbor University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bradley University students is 29% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($30,808 vs. $23,877).

Bradley vs. SAU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bradley University (1200) is 70 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 1090/1300; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bradley - Test-free; SAU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bradley students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at SAU (3.61).
• Bradley has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at Bradley vs. 16.5% at SAU.

Bradley vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bradley and SAU? 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 Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Bradley University earn a median of about $14,200 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,800 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $2,957 lower median loan debt than Bradley graduates ($24,043 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bradley graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Bradley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU 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.