About
Bradley University is a highly ranked, mid-sized private institution in Peoria, Illinois, best known for combining the personalized attention of a small college with the robust resources of a major university, particularly through its acclaimed Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology, Foster College of Business, and nationally ranked game design program. The student experience is defined by a vibrant, collaborative campus culture featuring NCAA Division I athletics, over 240 student organizations, and a tight-knit community where professors serve as direct mentors rather than teaching assistants. Setting Bradley apart is its distinctive commitment to undergraduate research—allowing students to collaborate on projects and co-publish with faculty as early as their first year—and its deep-rooted partnerships with major employers like Peoria-founded Caterpillar Inc., which pave the way for exceptional internship and career placement outcomes.
Wikipedia:Bradley University is a private university in Peoria, Illinois, United States. Founded in 1897, Bradley University enrolls 5,200 students who are pursuing degrees in more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 30 graduate programs in five colleges. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and 22 specialized and professional accreditors.
Location
Cost & aid
Outcomes
Admissions
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Essay prompts
If Bradley University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.
The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.
Student Body
Varsity sports
- BaseballMen's
- BasketballMen's · Women's
- GolfMen's · Women's
- SoccerMen's
- SoftballWomen's
- TennisWomen's
- Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)Men's · Women's
- VolleyballWomen's
Programs & Earnings
Institutional
Wondering if Bradley University is the right fit for you?
SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.