Bradley University Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Illinois aid & Grants
Last Updated on June 1, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~77%
- Middle 50% ACT: 27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1135
- Average GPA: 3.77
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: Bradley is still very reachable. Focus on a solid GPA and clean application — this can be a strong safety with real money potential.
- In the typical ranges: This is where Bradley shines. You’re right in line for meaningful automatic merit — apply early and make sure your academics are clearly presented.
- Well above the ranges: Bradley becomes a high-value play. You’ll likely land near the top merit tiers ($25K–$30K range) and may qualify for full-tuition programs if you meet specific criteria.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Bradley University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Bradley Hometown Scholars Program & Bradley Commitment)
Average Net Price
$23,572/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$1,500–$30,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
18 opportunities
7 automatic · 3 competitive · 8 hidden gem
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 2.8+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Dec 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Bradley Hometown Scholars Program & Bradley Commitment
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA Only
Bradley is one of those schools that quietly does what a lot of families are hoping for — it gives strong, predictable merit money without a complicated process. Most students will receive something automatically at admission, and the ranges are meaningful enough to bring the price down into a more realistic zone for middle-income families.
Where it gets interesting is the ceiling. Illinois students who qualify for the Bradley Commitment can see full tuition covered automatically, and even out-of-state students can stack strong merit with need-based aid. This is the type of school where being slightly above average academically can translate directly into real dollars.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Bradley University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 27; SAT: 1135.
Average net price? About $23,572/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Bradley University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$43,850 |
$43,850 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$14,050 |
$14,050 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$57,900 |
$57,900 |
Average Federal Net Price: $23,572 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Reciprocity & Regional Discounts: Bradley is a private university and does not participate in regional tuition exchanges (MSEP, WUE, NEBHE). All students pay the same tuition rate. Illinois residents may qualify for the Bradley Commitment or Illinois MAP Grant for additional need-based aid.
Cost & Aid FAQs
Who qualifies for lower costs at Bradley?
Most students receive automatic merit scholarships based on GPA, rigor, and optional test scores. Illinois residents with financial need may also qualify for the Bradley Commitment, which can cover full tuition after state and federal grants.
How much do families really pay?
The published “sticker” price is about $57,880 per year, but the average family pays roughly $23,500 after scholarships and grants—around 60% off the published rate.
Do I need a separate application to reduce costs?
No for admission-based merit; yes to filing the FAFSA to qualify for the Illinois MAP Grant and other need-based programs.
Sources:
University COA page — https://catalog.bradley.edu/undergraduate/general-information/fees-expenses/
Housing & Meal Plan Rates — https://www.bradley.edu/campuslife/reslife/housing/rates/
Bradley Financial Aid — https://www.bradley.edu/admissions/financial-aid/
Illinois MAP Grant — https://www.isac.org/students/during-college/types-of-financial-aid/grants/monetary-award-program/
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?143358-Bradley-University=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Automatic
Board of Trustees Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$28,000–$30,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can stack with certain donor and departmental awards, but your total institutional aid and grants cannot exceed tuition. Award applies only to fall and spring tuition charges — not fees, housing, or summer enrollment.
💡
Strategic Detail
Highest of Bradley's four automatic merit tiers for incoming freshmen. Bradley's published four-year range is $56,000–$120,000 total but the university does not release a GPA/amount grid or individual tier names publicly — per-year amounts here are CRP estimates within that official range. A renewal GPA requirement exists but the specific threshold is not published.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
The very top of Bradley's incoming freshman class — students with exceptional academic records, rigorous coursework, and standout leadership and service histories. Bradley does not publish GPA or test score cutoffs, but this is the highest-tier scholarship reserved for the strongest academic applicants.
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographicneed_based
Bradley Commitment
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Illinois residents with Pell eligibility and family income ≤$65,000 can get Bradley tuition fully covered through a last‑dollar package; families still pay fees, housing, and food.
🏫 2.8+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Bradley Commitment is a gap-filler, not a standalone award — it layers on top of your federal Pell Grant, Illinois MAP Grant, and any other institutional or private scholarships first, then covers whatever tuition remains. Outside scholarships received in addition to Bradley Commitment may be applied toward non-tuition expenses (housing, books, etc.) if the issuing organization permits; total aid cannot exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Bradley Commitment is a full-tuition coverage guarantee for eligible Illinois-resident freshmen. The program stacks federal Pell, Illinois MAP, and all other grants and scholarships first, then Bradley fills any remaining tuition gap. It does not cover fees, housing, meal plans, books, or summer/interim enrollment. Eligibility requires annual FAFSA filing and continued Pell and MAP eligibility. To renew, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, remain enrolled full-time in-person, and continue to meet Illinois residency and income requirements. Program covers up to eight consecutive fall/spring semesters.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: New Illinois-resident freshmen under age 24 who graduated from an Illinois high school with a 2.8+ GPA and whose family adjusted gross income is $65,000 or less — provided they also qualify for federal Pell and Illinois MAP grants. If your family checks all those boxes, Bradley guarantees your tuition is fully covered.
Full TuitionAutomatic⚠ Transfer Only
Bradley Pathway Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (2.7 GPA, 2 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
When combined with other scholarships and grants, total aid cannot exceed tuition. Applies only to fall and spring full-time enrollment — does not cover summer, January interim, or May interim.
💡
Strategic Detail
Full-tuition transfer scholarship exclusively for Illinois Central College students transferring to Bradley. Automatically awarded at admission — no separate application required. Covers up to four semesters (two years) of full-time fall/spring enrollment. Combined with other grants and scholarships, total aid cannot exceed tuition. Renews automatically with a 2.7 GPA. Does not cover summer, January interim, or May interim sessions.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Current full-time Illinois Central College students who transfer to Bradley with a 3.0 or higher transferable GPA. This is Bradley's dedicated ICC-to-Bradley pipeline scholarship — if your student is at ICC and planning to transfer, this is one of the most straightforward full-tuition pathways available.
Automatic
Presidential Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$24,000–$27,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can stack with certain donor and departmental awards, but your total institutional aid and grants cannot exceed tuition. Award applies only to fall and spring tuition charges — not fees, housing, or summer enrollment.
💡
Strategic Detail
Second of Bradley's four automatic merit tiers for incoming freshmen. Bradley's published four-year range is $56,000–$120,000 total but the university does not release a GPA/amount grid or individual tier names publicly — per-year amounts here are CRP estimates within that official range. A renewal GPA requirement exists but the specific threshold is not published.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving freshmen with rigorous high school coursework and a strong record of leadership and community involvement. This is the second-highest automatic merit tier — students just below the very top of the applicant pool, which puts them in very strong company.
Automatic
Dean's Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$19,000–$23,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can stack with certain donor and departmental awards, but your total institutional aid and grants cannot exceed tuition. Award applies only to fall and spring tuition charges — not fees, housing, or summer enrollment.
💡
Strategic Detail
Third of Bradley's four automatic merit tiers for incoming freshmen. Bradley's published four-year range is $56,000–$120,000 total but the university does not release a GPA/amount grid or individual tier names publicly — per-year amounts here are CRP estimates within that official range. A renewal GPA requirement exists but the specific threshold is not published.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Admitted freshmen in the mid-to-upper range of Bradley's applicant pool with a solid academic record and involvement in school or community activities. This mid-tier award still delivers meaningful annual savings — up to $23,000 off tuition per year.
Automatic
University Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$14,000–$18,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can stack with certain donor and departmental awards, but your total institutional aid and grants cannot exceed tuition. Award applies only to fall and spring tuition charges — not fees, housing, or summer enrollment.
💡
Strategic Detail
Entry-level of Bradley's four automatic merit tiers for incoming freshmen. Bradley's published four-year range is $56,000–$120,000 total but the university does not release a GPA/amount grid or individual tier names publicly — per-year amounts here are CRP estimates within that official range. A renewal GPA requirement exists but the specific threshold is not published.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Admitted freshmen with a solid high school academic record who fall into the entry-level merit tier. Even at the base level, this award delivers $14,000–$18,000 per year — that's $56,000–$72,000 over four years just for getting in.
Automatic
Legacy/Sibling Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks on top of Bradley's academic merit scholarships. Combined institutional aid cannot exceed tuition; applies only to on-campus residential tuition during fall and spring semesters.
💡
Strategic Detail
Flat $1,500 annual award for students with Bradley family connections — a sibling currently enrolled at Bradley or a sibling, parent, or grandparent who earned a Bradley degree. Awarded automatically at admission alongside merit scholarships. Renewable for up to eight semesters (first-year students) or four semesters (transfers) provided the student remains in good academic standing. Applies only to on-campus residential tuition in fall and spring.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Any admitted first-year student whose sibling currently attends Bradley, or whose sibling, parent, or grandparent holds a Bradley degree. This is a straightforward loyalty reward — if you have Bradley family ties, you receive it automatically alongside your merit scholarship.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Bradley lists a 4-year scholarship range of $56,000–$120,000. Annualized ranges and GPA bands above are estimates based on Common Data Set profiles because Bradley does not publish a public grid. Actual cutoffs may vary year to year.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do I need a separate application?
No. All admitted freshmen are automatically considered for academic scholarships—no extra form required.
Does Bradley consider ACT or SAT scores?
No. Bradley is test-free. They do not use ACT or SAT scores for admission or scholarships, even if you submit them.
Can scholarships stack with other awards?
Yes, but only up to the cost of tuition. Merit can combine with certain donor or departmental awards, but aid packages cannot exceed tuition.
Are scholarships renewable?
Yes. Academic scholarships are renewable for up to four years as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress and remain enrolled full time.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Some universities offer highly selective scholarships that require essays, interviews, or nomination. At Bradley, there are currently no broad university-wide competitive programs open to all admits. Targeted awards (such as Hometown Scholars or the LaVerne Noyes program) are listed in the Hidden Gems section.
Full TuitionApp Required
Bradley Hometown Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition and housing
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.3+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full tuition for eight semesters. A portion of on-campus housing and meal plan expenses may also be covered for students who qualify for the federal Pell Grant and student loan programs as determined by FAFSA. Total aid cannot exceed cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
1) Apply for admission to Bradley University as a first-year student. 2) Complete the FAFSA to establish demonstrated financial need. 3) Submit the Bradley Hometown Scholars application — program details and application access are available through Bradley's Office of Financial Assistance. Applicants must have been admitted to Bradley before applying.
Selection criteria: Selection based on academic achievement (minimum 3.25 GPA), demonstrated financial need, and graduation from one of six eligible Peoria-area high schools. Specific selection criteria beyond these thresholds are not publicly detailed.
💡
Strategic Detail
The Bradley Hometown Scholars Program is one of the most valuable awards at Bradley for eligible local students. It covers full tuition for eight semesters of full-time, in-person enrollment during fall and spring. Additionally, a portion of on-campus housing and meal plan costs may be covered for students who qualify for Pell and student loan programs. Eligibility is limited to graduates of six specific Peoria-area high schools with a 3.25+ GPA and demonstrated financial need. Application is required — automatic admission to Bradley alone does not guarantee selection.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving graduates from six specific Peoria-area high schools — East Peoria, Limestone, Manual, Pekin, Peoria, or Richwoods — with at least a 3.25 GPA and demonstrated financial need. This is a hyper-local full-ride-adjacent award; if your student attended one of these schools and meets the criteria, this could be the most valuable scholarship at Bradley.
App Required
Janssen Oratorical Contest
📅 Deadline: Jan 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$12,000–$14,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~3 awards (1st, 2nd, 3rd place) winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with Bradley merit scholarships and other grants, but combined total of Janssen award plus merit scholarships and grants cannot exceed tuition. If the full amount cannot be awarded in the first academic year, remaining funds carry forward into subsequent years.
📄
How to Apply
1) Apply for admission to Bradley University. 2) Record an original 8–10 minute oration. 3) Submit your recording via email to aeilola@bradley.edu by Jan 1. Awards are distributed as: 1st place $14,000 | 2nd place $13,000 | 3rd place $12,000.
Selection criteria: Competitive selection based on quality and delivery of original oration. Three placements awarded: 1st place $14,000/yr, 2nd place $13,000/yr, 3rd place $12,000/yr.
💡
Strategic Detail
Three competitive awards of $12,000 (3rd), $13,000 (2nd), and $14,000 (1st) per year. Requires submission of a recorded 8–10 minute original oration to aeilola@bradley.edu by Jan 1. Combined Janssen award plus merit scholarships and grants cannot exceed tuition. Any award amount that cannot be applied in year one rolls forward into subsequent academic years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with a genuine gift for public speaking and the ambition to craft and deliver a compelling original oration. Three winners are selected — this is one of the more accessible competitive scholarships at Bradley because the pool of students willing to submit a recorded speech is smaller than typical essay competitions.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Speech Team Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks on top of Bradley's automatic merit scholarships. Combined institutional aid cannot exceed tuition.
📄
How to Apply
Contact Bradley's Department of Communication to express interest in the Speech Team and audition or be recruited. Scholarship is awarded to students who join and compete with the Bradley University Speech Team.
Selection criteria: Selection determined by Speech Team coaching staff based on competitive speech talent and potential contribution to the team.
💡
Strategic Detail
Flat $4,000 per year ($16,000 total over four years) for members of the Bradley University Speech Team. Bradley's Speech Team is one of the most decorated in collegiate history with over 40 national championships and 150 individual national titles. Recipients travel nationally to compete. Award stacks with merit scholarships; combined aid cannot exceed tuition.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Competitive speech and debate students recruited to join Bradley's nationally dominant Speech Team — the winningest collegiate speech program in the country with over 40 national championships. This $4,000/year award ($16,000 over four years) is on top of whatever merit scholarship you already receive.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Does Bradley offer flagship full-ride scholarships?
No. Bradley’s aid is focused on automatic merit and targeted programs (see Hidden Gems) rather than large competitive awards.
Where should we look for special opportunities?
The Hidden Gems section covers unique awards such as local, donor, ROTC, and identity-based programs that can substantially lower costs.
Can Hidden Gems stack with merit aid?
Yes, but total institutional aid is capped at the cost of tuition. In practice, these awards often supplement automatic merit.
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These aren’t the headline merit awards, but they can quietly shave thousands off the bill. Most are need-based, identity- or activity-driven, or tied to a specific program. Read the notes—many require extra steps and have firm deadlines.
App Required
FIRST Robotics Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Up to 4 awards winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks on top of Bradley's automatic merit scholarships. Combined institutional aid cannot exceed tuition.
📄
How to Apply
1) Be admitted to Bradley as a first-time, first-year fall student in the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology. 2) Obtain a recommendation letter from your FIRST Robotics Coach or Mentor. 3) Submit the FIRST Robotics Scholarship application at apply.bradley.edu/register/first.
Selection criteria: Selection based on FIRST Robotics participation history, academic achievement, and coach/mentor recommendation. Up to four awards are given.
💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Up to four awards of $2,500 per year, renewable for up to eight semesters, for engineering students who participated in FIRST Robotics Competition or FIRST Tech Challenge for at least one full season during their junior or senior year of high school. Requires a recommendation from a FIRST Robotics Coach or Mentor and a separate application. Stacks with Bradley's automatic merit awards.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High school seniors who competed in FIRST Robotics Competition or FIRST Tech Challenge for at least one full season in their junior or senior year and are enrolling in an engineering program at Bradley. Up to four awards given — a small pool that rewards students who built real-world STEM skills through competitive robotics.
App Required
Project Lead the Way Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with Bradley's automatic merit scholarships. Applies to tuition only. Combined institutional aid cannot exceed tuition.
📄
How to Apply
1) Be admitted to Bradley's Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology. 2) Submit the Project Lead the Way application at apply.bradley.edu/register/pltw. Scholarship is awarded after admission once your PLTW coursework is verified.
Selection criteria: Formula-based — automatically awarded to admitted engineering students who verify completion of a PLTW course. No competitive selection beyond eligibility confirmation.
💡
Strategic Detail
Automatic $1,000 annual scholarship for engineering students who completed any PLTW course prior to enrolling at Bradley. Eligibility is confirmed after admission to the College of Engineering and Technology. Requires full-time attendance (12+ credits per semester) and a 2.5 GPA for renewal. Applies to tuition only.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Engineering students who completed at least one Project Lead the Way course during high school — PLTW is one of the most widely offered pre-engineering programs in the country, which means many incoming engineering students at Bradley already qualify without knowing it. Worth $1,000/year just for completing coursework you may have taken years ago.
Full TuitionApp Requiredgeographicneed_basedpipeline
Hometown Scholars (Peoria Public Schools)
📅 Deadline: Varies
Non-Renewable
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
⚠ Competitive scholarship for Peoria Public Schools graduates that pays full Bradley tuition for four years and may add partial housing/meal support based on financial need
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with other aid but total institutional aid is capped at tuition; program is need-aware and may coordinate with other grants.
📄
How to Apply
Graduate from Peoria Public Schools, apply and be admitted to Bradley, complete required program verification and financial aid steps.
Selection criteria: Selection based on meeting program eligibility criteria including school of graduation, financial need, and academic record.
💡
Strategic Detail
Full-tuition scholarship for eligible Peoria Public Schools graduates; specific renewal GPA and conditions not fully detailed in the provided text.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Graduates of Peoria Public Schools with solid academics who complete the required verification steps on time.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Bradley Grant (Need-Based)
📅 Deadline: FAFSA by early spring for priority consideration
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Fills remaining institutional need after federal, state, and other institutional aid; total institutional aid capped at tuition.
💡
Strategic Detail
Institutional need-based aid; exact amounts vary by FAFSA-determined need and other awards in the package.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students whose demonstrated need is not fully met by Pell, MAP, and other aid and who enroll full time.
App Required
BU SUSTAIN Scholars (NSF S-STEM)
📅 Deadline: Rolling selection beginning Jan 15; priority shortly after invitation.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Need-based NSF S-STEM scholarship that can stack with Bradley merit and other aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission and declare an eligible major; file FAFSA; if eligible, respond to invitation to submit the BU SUSTAIN application. Selection is rolling beginning Jan 15.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of academic performance, financial eligibility, and commitment to STEM in eligible majors.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Award up to $15,000 per year for up to 4 years; requires S-STEM financial eligibility and participation in program activities.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving, financially eligible first-time freshmen in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Varies by national ROTC board cycle
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition plus stipend and books
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
ROTC scholarship can cover up to full tuition plus stipend and books; Bradley institutional aid may be adjusted so total institutional tuition aid does not exceed tuition.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for Army ROTC scholarship through the national ROTC application and boards; complete medical, fitness, and academic requirements; coordinate with Bradley financial aid for package adjustments.
Selection criteria: Evaluated on academics, leadership potential, physical fitness, and commitment to military service by national ROTC boards.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers up to full tuition plus a living stipend and book allowance for contracted cadets; involves a military service commitment after graduation.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Leadership-oriented students who meet academic, fitness, and service requirements and plan to commission as Army officers.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Janssen Oratorical
📅 Deadline: Varies
Non-Renewable
$12,000–$14,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time award that can stack with other aid up to tuition.
📄
How to Apply
Enter the Janssen Oratorical contest and submit or present an oration according to contest rules and deadlines.
Selection criteria: Judged on quality of oration, delivery, and contest-specific criteria.
🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
One-time award generally between $12,000 and $14,000 toward tuition for winners of the Janssen Oratorical contest.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top-performing public speakers in the Janssen Oratorical competition.
Automatic
Legacy Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with Bradley merit and other institutional awards up to the tuition cap.
💡
Strategic Detail
For children/dependents of Bradley alumni; amount is $1,500 per year while criteria are met.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted students whose parent or grandparent is a verified Bradley graduate.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Sibling Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with other Bradley aid up to the tuition cap; only available while multiple siblings are concurrently enrolled.
💡
Strategic Detail
$1,500 per year for each eligible sibling while they are concurrently enrolled at Bradley.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Families with two or more siblings enrolled at Bradley in the same term.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Bradley updated the Bradley Commitment in late 2024 to AGI ≤ $65,000 with Pell eligibility (full tuition for qualifying IL residents). BU SUSTAIN details (majors, amount, and rolling review beginning Jan 15) reflect current program language. If Bradley adjusts criteria or funding, amounts and timelines may change for future cycles.
- Departmental Scholarships: Named donor and academic awards in Business, Engineering, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and other colleges; competitive and awarded through each department.
- Music & Performing Arts Scholarships: Audition-based awards for ensemble and chorale participation; amounts vary and can stack within the tuition cap.
*Some award amounts and GPA/test score references are estimated from university profiles because Bradley does not publish full public grids. Actual criteria may vary each year based on applicant pool and available funding.
Hidden Gems FAQs
Can these stack with automatic merit?
Often yes, but Bradley caps total institutional aid at the cost of tuition. ROTC is a federal program and may replace institutional tuition aid depending on your selection (tuition vs. room/board).
What deadlines matter most?
File the FAFSA early (for Bradley Commitment and state/federal grants). Watch program-specific dates—LaVerne Noyes is typically due around March 1, Speech/forensics has audition timelines, and ROTC follows national board windows.
Do I need to reapply each year?
Most renewable awards continue if you maintain eligibility (good standing, major/program requirements, need where applicable). One-time awards like the Janssen Oratorical do not renew.
Where do honors or departmental scholarships go?
Those appear in their own sections on this page (not here) to keep things clear.
🎖️ Honors College
Bradley’s Honors Program is designed for motivated students who want smaller classes, faculty mentorship, and opportunities for deeper learning. It’s an application-based program that admits a limited number of students each year, offering both academic challenge and community support.
What a Typical Bradley Honors Student Looks Like:
GPA in the 3.8–4.0 range* with rigorous high school coursework, leadership in extracurriculars, and strong writing skills. *Estimates based on admitted student profiles; Bradley does not publish official GPA/test cutoffs.
Perks of the Bradley Honors Program:
- Priority registration and early class selection
- Small, discussion-based honors seminars
- Dedicated Honors housing options
- Faculty mentorship for research and creative projects
- Capstone or thesis opportunities that prepare students for grad school or competitive careers
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
Honors Program FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply separately to the Honors Program, typically after submitting their general admission application.
Does it add time to my degree?
No. Honors courses are designed to integrate into your existing major requirements, so students graduate on time.
Are there extra costs or scholarships?
No extra tuition is charged for Honors. While Honors-specific scholarships are not advertised, students often combine Honors participation with other merit and need-based aid.
When should my student apply?
Students are encouraged to apply early in their senior year, ideally by the university’s priority scholarship deadlines for maximum consideration.
⭐ College Specialty
Bradley may be a mid-sized private university, but it punches above its weight in certain areas. Parents often hear about its close industry ties and practical, hands-on programs. If your student wants the mix of a supportive campus with nationally recognized fields, Bradley has a few standout strengths that open doors after graduation.
Top Program:
Bradley’s Game Design and Interactive Media program consistently ranks among the top in the nation by The Princeton Review, placing students into high-demand creative tech careers.
- Engineering (Caterpillar College of Engineering & Technology): Known for close ties to Caterpillar Inc. and strong co-op/internship pipelines; ABET-accredited across multiple disciplines.
- Nursing: Regionally respected BSN program with strong clinical partnerships across Illinois health systems.
- Speech Team: Bradley’s forensics program is nationally decorated, winning dozens of national championships and producing leaders in law, politics, and communication.
- Business (Foster College of Business): AACSB-accredited, with recognized leadership and entrepreneurship programs; strong placement rates statewide.
Final Thoughts
Bradley may not have the massive name of a Big Ten school, but for many Illinois families it can be a smart, affordable choice. With strong automatic merit, the new full-tuition Bradley Commitment for Pell-eligible residents, and a wide range of hidden gems, the actual price tag is often much lower than the sticker. Add in standout programs like Game Design, Engineering, Nursing, and a nationally decorated Speech Team, and Bradley gives students both opportunity and value. For first-gen and budget-conscious parents, it’s worth a close look.
Was this helpful? Share it with another parent who’s comparing college costs!
[last_updated]
Back to top ↑
