Bradley University: A Comprehensive Guide to Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Bradley University, a private institution rooted in Peoria, Illinois, offers a diverse range of academic programs and a vibrant campus life. Understanding the costs associated with attending Bradley is crucial for prospective students and their families. This article provides a detailed overview of tuition, fees, financial aid options, and other related expenses, offering insights into how to make a Bradley education accessible and affordable.

Overview of Bradley University

Founded in 1897 by philanthropist Lydia Moss Bradley, Bradley University has a rich history of providing quality education. The university enrolls approximately 5,200 students in over 100 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs across five colleges. Bradley's campus, spanning 84 acres on Peoria's west bluff, is home to various academic and athletic facilities, including the historic Westlake Hall and the Renaissance Coliseum.

Bradley University is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, ranking among the top universities in the nation. In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Bradley University is ranked No. #183 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. #39 in Best Value Schools. The student-faculty ratio at Bradley University is 11:1, ensuring personalized attention for students.

Tuition and Fees

The cost of tuition is a primary consideration for prospective students. Bradley University's tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is $43,850. This figure includes both tuition and fees, often referred to as the sticker price. Compared with the national average cost of tuition of $46,950, Bradley University is cheaper.

Additional Costs

Beyond tuition, students should also budget for other expenses, including:

Read also: A Look at Bradley Basketball

Books and Supplies: \$1,300 per year
Personal Expenses: \$2,000 per year
Transportation: \$684 per year

The total cost of attendance, encompassing tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, amounts to $59,644.

Tuition Payment Plans

Bradley University offers several payment options to help families manage tuition costs. Families can choose to pay the full balance or enroll in the Installment Payment Plan, which requires a minimum 20 percent payment of the semester balance.

Pay In Full Plan: The entire semester balance, less financial assistance, must be paid by August 6, 2025, for the fall semester and January 6, 2026, for the spring semester.
Installment Payment Plan: Divides each semester's balance into five installments, with a one-time $30 enrollment fee. The first payment, a minimum of 20% of the semester balance, is due by August 6, 2025, or January 6, 2026, for the respective term. A one-time finance charge of 4% will be applied to the remaining balance on the first day of the term.

Payments can be made by cash or check at Swords Hall, online by credit card (with a 2.95% fee), or via international wire transfer through Flywire.

Financial Aid

Bradley University is committed to making education accessible through various financial aid options. Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA. Approximately 71% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $34,876. The university met 78% of its students’ financial aid need.

Types of Financial Aid

Grants and Scholarships: These forms of aid do not need to be repaid. Need-based scholarships consider a student's financial status, while merit-based scholarships are awarded for academic or athletic achievement. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Bradley University was $32,712.
Loans: Loans must be repaid with interest. The typical amount of loans a student must pay back is $35,728. The median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $27,000, with a median monthly federal loan payment of $286 (assuming a 10-year repayment term at 5.05% interest).
Work-Study: These programs allow students to earn money through part-time jobs on campus.

Financial Aid Statistics

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 71%
Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid: 100%
Average Aid Package Awarded: $34,876
Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: $27,593
Average Need-Based Loan Amount: $5,517
Average Non-Need-Based Aid: $19,223

Financial Aid Application Process

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary application for financial aid. The priority application deadline is December 1, though applications received after this date will still be considered. The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork is August 1.

Net Price

The average net price, which is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive, is $24,703 per year. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies.

Student Loan Debt

Understanding student loan debt is crucial for financial planning. At Bradley University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $27,000. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $286.

Additionally, 17% of graduating students at Bradley University took out private loans. Students with private loans had an average of $45,084 in private loan debt at graduation.

Managing Student Loan Debt

Ideally, your total student loan debt should fall below your anticipated starting salary once you graduate. The average total indebtedness of the 2024 graduating class was $35,728.

Additional Financial Considerations

Work-Study Opportunities

Bradley University provides a variety of work-study, internship, and on-campus employment opportunities for its students. The university ensures that all student employees receive at least the minimum wage, although the average expected pay may vary depending on the position and employer.

Read also: GPA Guide for Bradley Students

Military Benefits

Military benefits are also available for eligible students, with both graduate and undergraduate students receiving an average of 18,000 USD in assistance.

Additional Expenses

In addition to the direct costs itemized above, additional expenses for books and supplies, clothing, laundry, recreation, transportation and other personal expenses will average an additional $4,092.

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