Bradley vs. KU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bradley University in Peoria, IL with University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kansas is larger than Bradley based on total student enrollment (29,792 students vs. 4,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bradley University is located in Peoria, IL (Midsize City setting); University of Kansas is in Lawrence, KS (Small City setting).
• Bradley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bradley University 11:1; University of Kansas 18:1.

Bradley vs. KU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bradley or KU? 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 University of Kansas than Bradley ($19,205 vs. $23,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Kansas are 15.9% lower than at Bradley University ($11,358 vs. $13,500).
• Bradley University is 248.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than KU (about $30,058 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $12,102.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.5% higher at Bradley than at University of Kansas (about $11,728 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $30,432.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bradley University than at University of Kansas (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bradley University students is 166.9% larger than aid received by University of Kansas students ($30,808 vs. $11,541).

Bradley vs. KU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bradley University (1200) is 10 points higher than at KU (1190).
• Incoming Bradley students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at KU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 1090/1300; University of Kansas 1070/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 25/31; University of Kansas 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bradley - Test-free; KU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bradley students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at KU (3.66).
• KU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than Bradley (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at Bradley vs. 25.5% at KU.

Bradley vs. KU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bradley and KU? 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 University of Kansas's (61%).
• Graduates from Bradley University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than KU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,800 vs. $54,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kansas graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Bradley graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, KU graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bradley graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Bradley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KU 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.