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Bradley University

1501 W. Bradley Avenue, Peoria, IL 61625-0002, USA

Bradley University award
Bradley University award
US ranking
position: 486
Tuition & fees per year: $43,850
Acceptance rate: 77.00%
Median alumni salary: $51,073
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1170 SAT, 27 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Easy

What does Bradley University offer in terms of athletics?

Bradley University provides a diverse athletics program through its participation in NCAA Division I, primarily competing in the Missouri Valley Conference. The university supports a range of varsity sports for both men and women, encouraging student-athletes to excel in their respective fields while balancing academic commitments.

Men's sports at Bradley include basketball, baseball, cross country, golf, and soccer, offering various competitive opportunities throughout the academic year. Women's athletics feature basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, and volleyball, ensuring a broad spectrum of activities for female students interested in collegiate sports.

Beyond varsity competition, Bradley also offers club sports and intramural programs, enabling students who may not compete at the Division I level to stay active and engaged in campus athletics. These additional options contribute to a vibrant campus life and promote physical fitness and community involvement among the student body.

What student groups and Associations are available at Bradley University?

Bradley University offers a variety of student groups and associations that cater to diverse interests and foster community engagement. Among the notable organizations are the National Society of Leadership and Success, which focuses on developing leadership skills, and BU Explore Peoria, which connects students with local experiences and opportunities.

Students interested in mental health and wellness can join Active Minds, a group dedicated to raising awareness and providing support. Additionally, the AI Club invites those passionate about artificial intelligence and technology to collaborate and learn within this emerging field.

Approximately 49 students, consisting of 29 men and 20 women, are active members of social organizations at Bradley University. This participation represents a small but dedicated portion of the total student body, which numbers 1,705 men and 1,796 women.

Who studies at Bradley University?

Bradley University's student body displays a diverse composition in terms of residency, age, ethnicity, and enrollment type, which is important for prospective students to consider. A significant portion of the student population consists of in-state students, making up about 86% of all enrolled students. This figure places Bradley in the top 25% nationally for in-state representation. Conversely, out-of-state students comprise only 14%, which ranks in the lower 30%, reflecting a relatively smaller presence from beyond Illinois.

The university's enrollment includes an average number of both freshmen and transfer students. Freshmen enrollment stands at 833, positioning Bradley just below the national median at the 45th percentile. Transfer students account for 133 individuals, similarly ranking in the bottom 40% compared to other universities. Combined, the total incoming class of new students amounts to 966, which is considered average and in the lower half nationally.

Age demographics reveal that the bulk of undergraduate students are traditional college-age individuals, predominantly ranging from 18 to 21 years old, with 1,615 aged 18-19 and 1,791 aged 20-21. Older students make up smaller shares, with undergraduate enrollment gradually tapering at older age categories. Graduate enrollment reflects a wider age span, with many students between 22 and 49 years old. This indicates a substantial presence of mature students in graduate programs, highlighting opportunities for adult learners.

Ethnic diversity at Bradley University tends to fall into average ranges relative to national figures, offering a moderately varied campus environment. Hispanic students number 531, while African American students total 438, both groups ranking near the 45th percentile nationally. White students are the largest ethnic group on campus, with 2,125 enrolled, also around the midpoint in comparison to other institutions. Smaller populations include Asian students (163), Native American students (8), and Pacific Islanders (4). Additionally, some students identify with two or more races or have an unknown ethnicity, contributing to the overall campus mosaic.

The university has a very low percentage of international or non-U. S. students, with only 14 representing U. S. students from unknown backgrounds and no reported foreign countries, placing Bradley in the bottom 5% to 30% for diversity from outside the state and country. Prospective students looking for a highly international campus might find this noteworthy.

How does student life look like at Bradley University?

Student life at Bradley University offers a variety of extracurricular activities centered on the arts and media. Students can engage with campus drama, radio, television, and chorus programs, providing opportunities to develop creative skills and participate in campus culture. While there is no campus band, these other outlets contribute to a vibrant and diverse student community.

The university campus spans 97 acres, providing ample space for student activities and personal growth. Health and wellness support is readily available through an on-campus health clinic and psychological counseling services. Additionally, a women's center is present to support female students and address related concerns.

Bradley University competes athletically in the NCAA, fostering school spirit and opportunities for student-athletes to participate in collegiate sports. The student body includes a diverse international presence, representing 39 countries, adding to the cultural richness on campus.

The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 11: 1, which suggests moderately small class sizes and potential for more personalized academic interaction. With a total enrollment of about 4,777 students, the university maintains a community that is balanced in size-neither too large nor too small for those seeking a campus with diverse offerings but manageable scale.

What libraries are available to students at Bradley University?

Bradley University provides students with access to the Cullom-Davis Library as its primary library facility. This single library supports academic needs with a collection of approximately 598,282 volumes, positioning it in the top 45% for the number of books available compared to peer institutions. While the university has only one library, the availability of physical facilities is complemented by digital access options, including nearly 45,080 eBooks and 45,755 digital subscriptions; however, these digital resources rank in the lower 40% to 45% percentiles among similar universities.

The Cullom-Davis Library offers multiple study rooms for students requiring quiet or collaborative spaces, along with staffed services to assist with research and access. Weekly service hours total 94, though the library does not provide all-day access. Students also benefit from access to shared collections beyond the university's holdings and established hours that ensure regular availability throughout the week. The library maintains a moderate number of 168 databases, placing it near the midpoint in terms of database offerings among comparable institutions.

Bradley University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

4777

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

807

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

291 full time, 252 part time

Veterans affair office

No

Bradley University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Cullom-Davis Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Bradley University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Bradley University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Bradley University Location & Map

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