Bradley vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bradley University in Peoria, IL with Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Bradley based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 4,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bradley University is located in Peoria, IL (Midsize City setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Bradley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bradley University 11:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

Bradley vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bradley or Western Illinois 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 Western Illinois University than Bradley ($14,208 vs. $23,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 16.1% lower than at Bradley University ($11,320 vs. $13,500).
• Bradley University is 176.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $26,896 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 176.2% higher at Bradley than at Western Illinois University (about $26,896 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bradley University than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bradley University students is 105.5% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($30,808 vs. $14,994).

Bradley vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bradley University (1200) is 210 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Bradley students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 1090/1300; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bradley University 25/31; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bradley - Test-free; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Bradley students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Bradley has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at Bradley vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Bradley vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bradley and Western Illinois 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 Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Bradley University earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,800 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $2,296 lower median loan debt than Bradley graduates ($24,704 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bradley graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More Bradley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 61%)

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.