Bradley vs. Kentucky

Comparable Facts

Compare Bradley University in Peoria, IL with University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than Bradley based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 4,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bradley vs. Kentucky Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bradley or Kentucky? 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 Kentucky than Bradley ($21,958 vs. $23,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bradley University are 15.7% lower than at University of Kentucky ($13,500 vs. $16,016).
• Bradley University is 212.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $28,658 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.5% higher at Bradley than at University of Kentucky (about $8,020 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bradley University than at University of Kentucky (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bradley University students is 138.9% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($30,808 vs. $12,898).

Bradley vs. Kentucky Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bradley University (1200) is 20 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming Bradley students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 1090/1300; University of Kentucky 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 25/31; University of Kentucky 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bradley - Test-free; Kentucky - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bradley students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Bradley (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at Bradley vs. 22.2% at Kentucky.

Bradley vs. Kentucky Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bradley and Kentucky? 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 Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from Bradley University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Kentucky graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,800 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Bradley graduates ($22,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bradley graduates ($235 vs. $279).
• More Bradley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 62%)

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.