U.S. News & World Report Ranks Bradley University Among Best Colleges
September 23, 2025
Bradley University has been ranked among the top 200 universities in the nation in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. Bradley also earned recognition as a Top Undergraduate Business University, one of the Best Value Universities in the nation, and in the Top 40 for Undergraduate Engineering programs.
Bradley also rose more than 60 spots in U.S. News & World Report’s ranking for social mobility (#126 nationally). This ranking reflects the power and value of a Bradley degree. Social mobility measures how well universities help students graduate and go on to achieve higher earnings and improved quality of life. This recognition underscores that Bradley graduates go on to earn more, achieve career success, and thrive long after graduation.
“This dramatic rise in social mobility proves what we have always known: Bradley opens doors,” remarked Bradley University President James Shadid. “A Bradley degree is a high-value investment that positions our students not just to succeed, but to excel in their careers and in life.”
The 2026 edition of the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings evaluates more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, using up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and graduate success. Bradley’s complete rankings are available here.
“Bradley’s recognition across multiple categories reflects the strength of our academic programs, the dedication of our faculty, and the drive of our students,” said Bradley University Interim Provost Dan Moon, Ph.D. “These rankings reinforce what our community already knows, that Bradley offers a personalized, high-quality education that prepares graduates for meaningful careers and lives of purpose.”
U.S. News publishes the Best Colleges rankings each year to provide prospective students and their families with comparative information about the undergraduate programs at America’s colleges and universities. The rankings offer detailed data on institutions, including graduation rates, graduate indebtedness, and post-graduate earnings.
“U.S. News’ Best Colleges remains a reliable resource for prospective students and their families as they navigate the college selection process,” said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News. “With over half of the ranking factors dedicated to student outcomes, the rankings and editorial content provide vital data, college advice and informed reporting to every student pursuing higher education.”
Prospective students can see how Bradley compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on U.S. News & World Report’s website.
About Bradley University: Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Ill., offering students a personalized, transformative experience to prepare them for future success. With more than 100 programs, a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, and guaranteed experiential learning opportunities for 100% of students, Bradley provides an individualized hands-on education with nationally recognized faculty. Bradley offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate academic programs including business, communication, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology.
About U.S. News & World Report: U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.