Bradley vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bradley University in Peoria, IL with Stephens College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bradley University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (4,777 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bradley University is located in Peoria, IL (Midsize City setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Bradley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bradley University 11:1; Stephens College 8:1.

Bradley vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bradley or Stephens College? 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 Stephens College than Bradley ($23,194 vs. $23,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stephens College are 1% lower than at Bradley University ($13,366 vs. $13,500).
• Bradley University is 49% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $13,860 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49% higher at Bradley than at Stephens College (about $13,860 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bradley University as at Stephens College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bradley University students is 32% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($30,808 vs. $23,341).

Bradley vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bradley University (1200) is the same as at Stephens College (1200).
• Incoming Bradley students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 1090/1300; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 25/31; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bradley - Test-free; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Bradley students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Stephens College has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Bradley (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at Bradley vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

Bradley vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bradley and Stephens College? 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 Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from Bradley University earn a median of about $19,400 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,800 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Stephens College and Bradley graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Stephens College and Bradley graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Bradley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stephens College 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.