On this Page
Admission and Scholarships
What is the difference between Early Action and Early Decision at Bradley University?
Early Action and Early Decision are application periods that offer priority admission and access to specialty scholarships.
- Early Action is non-binding. Admitted students are not required to commit to the institution.
- Early Decision is binding. Admitted students are required to commit to the institution if accepted.
Bradley University’s Early Action period runs from August 1 to November 1. Applying during this window offers:
- Priority admission decisions
- Eligibility for specialty scholarships
- Access to admitted-student-only events
Do I have to take the ACT or SAT to apply to Bradley University?
No. Bradley University is a test-free institution. ACT and SAT scores are not required for admission or for merit scholarship consideration, and are not used in the admissions review process.
Can I apply for additional scholarships at Bradley University?
Yes. In addition to merit scholarships, Bradley offers college-specific scholarships through programs such as:
- Speech
- Art
- Project Lead the Way
- BU SUSTAIN
View the full list of Bradley University scholarships for eligibility and application details.
Does Bradley University accept external scholarships?
Yes. Bradley University accepts external scholarships from businesses, private individuals, foundations, and organizations. Admission counselors can advise students on how external scholarships apply to their financial aid package.
Learn more about finding and submitting external scholarships to Bradley University.
What is Bradley University’s admissions timeline?
Timelines vary by student type.
For first-year undergraduate applicants:
- Bradley University uses rolling admission, reviewing applications as they are submitted.
- Students are encouraged to apply between August 1 and November 1 of their senior year (the Early Action period).
- Applications are accepted through the second semester of senior year, but scholarship access may be limited after November 1.
What materials do I need to apply to Bradley University?
Requirements vary by student type.
For first-year undergraduate applicants:
- A completed application (Bradley University Application, Common App, or Niche Direct Admissions)
- An official or unofficial high school transcript
- A Statement of Interest/essay (open topic, no specific prompt required)
When will I receive my financial aid package from Bradley University?
- First-year and transfer applicants: Award notifications begin in mid-November.
- Continuing students: Award notifications begin in mid-June.
Timing depends on when a student adds Bradley University to their FAFSA.
Academic Programs (Majors and Minors)
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Bradley University?
Bradley University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, and 100% of courses are taught by professors, not teaching assistants.
What is the average class size at Bradley University?
- Average class size: 17 students
- Entry-level classes: up to 30 students
- Specialty classes: as few as 10 students
- Largest class offered: BUS 100, with 80 students
Bradley University limits large lecture-style courses to prioritize student engagement.
What are Bradley University’s graduation and job placement rates?
For the 2024–2025 graduating class (based on responses from 86% of graduates):
- 94% of respondents had a job or were enrolled in continuing education within 6 months of graduation.
View college- and major-specific outcome data in Bradley University’s annual reports.
Where do Bradley University graduates work and study after graduation?
Recent graduates have been hired by companies including:
- Caterpillar Inc.
- State Farm Insurance
- The Memphis Redbirds
- Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
- Boeing
- Komatsu
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
Recent graduates have continued their education at institutions including:
- Johns Hopkins University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Northern Illinois University
- University of Iowa
Bradley University also has guaranteed admission and scholarship partnerships, including:
- DePaul University College of Law
- Midwest University (for healthcare careers)
- Syracuse University’s Maxwell School (master’s programs)
View the complete list of Bradley University’s academic partnerships. Visit the Smith Career Center for career outcome data by major.
What hands-on learning experiences does Bradley University offer?
All Bradley University students complete an Experiential Learning requirement, including at least two real-world applications of their major.
- Many students gain access to labs, research projects, or internships by their second year.
- Most majors require a Capstone Project in junior or senior year, involving research, community partnerships, or proposed solutions to field-specific problems.
- All students, regardless of year, can attend the career fair held each semester.
- Research opportunities are available to first-year students in some programs.
- Study abroad is open to students of any year.
What innovative learning opportunities does Bradley University offer?
Examples by program include:
- Game Design: First-year students use current industry development software.
- Engineering: Access to the Drop Tower for microgravity experiments and a machine shop in the Business and Engineering Convergence Center (BECC).
- Environmental Biology: Field excursions supported by Bradley University’s Digitally Connected Campus.
Visit your program’s page to learn about discipline-specific resources.
When do I start taking major-specific courses at Bradley University?
Students begin major-specific coursework in their first year. Each program page includes a course catalog with required courses, sample plans, and electives. Find your program page here.
Residence Halls
How long do Bradley University students have to live on campus?
Bradley University requires students to live on campus for two years.
What dining options are available on Bradley University’s campus?
- Williams Dining Hall
- Chick-fil-A
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
- Jerry’s Smoothie and Bagel Bar
- Delawder’s Deli Coffee Shop
- Clean Plate
- P.O.D. Market
- Marketplace Deli
How does roommate matching work at Bradley University?
Students can find roommates through:
- Bradley University social media accounts
- The official roommate matching process
- Direct roommate requests
If roommate conflicts arise, students work with their Resident Advisor and the Housing Office to mediate and resolve the issue, including room changes if appropriate.
Student Support Services
What support services help students succeed at Bradley University?
Bradley University offers several dedicated support offices:
- Smith Career Center
- Student Access Services
- Health Services
- Academic Success Center
- Office of Inclusive Excellence
The Academic Success Center provides tutoring for many courses, plus workshops, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction.
Does Bradley University provide health and mental health services?
Yes.
- The Health Services Office functions as a full doctor’s office, diagnosing and treating common ailments.
- The Counseling Center provides mental health counseling for a range of concerns.
Visit Bradley University Health and Wellness Services for more information.
What career and professional development support does Bradley University offer?
The Smith Career Center supports students from resume-building through evaluating job offers, including:
- Individualized advising with college-specific career advisors
- Workshops and career fairs
- Online career resources, including Bradley netWORK
Bradley University also provides dedicated graduate school advisors for pre-med/health professions, pre-law, and other graduate-track fields, offering application guidance, entrance exam prep, and shadowing/research connections.
Student Life
What student organizations are available at Bradley University?
Bradley University has 200+ student organizations, including:
- Club and intramural sports
- Greek life
- Service and philanthropy organizations
- Fine arts organizations
- Cultural organizations
- Academic and honorary societies
- Special interest groups
Explore the full list of organizations.
Does Bradley University offer study abroad programs?
Yes. The Study Abroad Office offers both short-term trips and semester-long programs. Students have studied in:
- Thailand
- Paris
- London
- Denmark
- Greece
View the complete list of Bradley University study abroad programs.
What is Greek life like at Bradley University?
Bradley University is home to 30 fraternity and sorority chapters, represented by four governing councils:
- Interfraternity Council
- National Pan-Hellenic Council
- Panhellenic Council
- Multicultural Greek Council
Bradley University’s Greek community emphasizes connection, leadership, service, and belonging. Learn more about Fraternity and Sorority Life and how to join.
What campus safety measures does Bradley University have?
- Residence halls use swipe-card access for entrances, hallways, elevators, and (in some cases) room doors.
- The Bradley Police Department is headquartered across the street in Campustown.
- Campus features Blue Light safety poles, Safety Cruisers, and Student Patrol/Bradley Police Department escort programs.
Surrounding area: Bradley University is located in the Historic West Bluff neighborhood of Peoria, Illinois, near restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping. Peoria offers music festivals, community gardens, and diverse dining within walking distance of campus.
What diversity and inclusion resources are available at Bradley University?
The Office of Inclusive Excellence supports the transition, engagement, and persistence of historically underrepresented communities, including Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Multiracial students, LGBTQ+ students, and first-generation college students.
Dedicated spaces on campus include:
- The Women’s Center (Michel Student Center)
- The LGBTQ+ Kaleidoscope Center (Michel Student Center)
- The Romeo B. Garrett Center
Additional Links