Bradley vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Bradley University is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (4,777 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bradley University is located in Peoria, IL (Midsize City setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Bradley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bradley University 11:1; Union University 9:1.

Bradley vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bradley or Union 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 Bradley University than Union University ($23,787 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 5.3% lower than at Bradley University ($12,780 vs. $13,500).
• Bradley University is 5.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union University (about $2,135 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.3% higher at Bradley than at Union University (about $2,135 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bradley University as at Union University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bradley University students is 2.3% larger than aid received by Union University students ($30,808 vs. $30,120).

Bradley vs. Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union University (1280) is 80 points higher than at Bradley (1200).
• Incoming Bradley students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Union University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 1090/1300; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 25/31; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bradley - Test-free; Union University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Bradley students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Union University (3.8).
• Bradley has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Union University (60.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at Bradley vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Bradley vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bradley and Union 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 Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from Bradley University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,800 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union University graduates have a $2,160 lower median loan debt than Bradley graduates ($24,840 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Union University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bradley graduates ($256 vs. $279).
• More Bradley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 66%)

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.