Bradley University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships awarded at admission
- Competitive and need-based programs like the Bradley Commitment
- How Illinois students can qualify for full-tuition coverage
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~77%
- Middle 50% ACT: 24–30
- Middle 50% SAT: 1030–1240
- Average HS GPA: 3.77 (unweighted)
Source: Bradley University Common Data Set 2024–25. Middle 50% = the range where half of enrolled score submitters fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Bradley University at a Glance
Last verified: October 2025
Bradley University offers generous automatic merit scholarships to incoming freshmen—no separate application required. Awards range from $14,000 to $30,000 per year based on GPA and optional test scores. Illinois students may also qualify for the Bradley Commitment, an automatic full-tuition program that covers any remaining tuition after state and federal grants.
Local high-achieving graduates can compete for the Hometown Scholars award, which also covers full tuition and recognizes community involvement and academic excellence. Both programs can be stacked with additional donor and need-based aid.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Bradley is test-optional. GPA-only review is available for merit scholarships, though strong ACT/SAT scores may enhance awards.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 24–30; SAT: 1030–1240 (Bradley CDS 2024–25).
What’s the average net price? $23,572 per year after grants and scholarships (College Scorecard).
Does this school offer reciprocity or nonresident waivers? No — Bradley is private, so tuition is the same for all students. Illinois residents may qualify for the automatic Bradley Commitment tuition program.
Common Data Set 2024–25 — https://www.bradley.edu/wp-content/uploads/CDS_2024_2025.pdf
Scholarships & Grants (First-Year Academic Awards) — https://www.bradley.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships-grants/
Bradley Commitment (news release) — https://www.bradley.edu/news-articles/bradley-university-announces-the-bradley-commitment-full-tuition-coverage-for-qualifying-students/
Hometown Scholars (news) — https://www.bradley.edu/news-articles/bradley-awards-seven-full-tuition-scholarships-to-hometown-students/
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?143358-Bradley-University=
First-Year Admissions (priority deadline) — https://www.bradley.edu/admissions/first-year/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Bradley University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $43,850 | $43,850 |
| Housing & Meals (standard double) | $14,050 | $14,050 |
| Total Direct Costs (Before Aid) | $57,880 | $57,880 |
Note: Bradley is a private university, so tuition and fees are the same for all students (no in-state or out-of-state difference). Other estimated education-related expenses—like books and supplies (~$1,300), transportation (~$700), and personal costs (~$2,100)—average about $4,000 per year and are not included in the table because they are not paid directly to the university.
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.
University COA page — https://catalog.bradley.edu/undergraduate/general-information/fees-expenses/
Housing & Meal Plan Rates 2025–26 — 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
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Scholarship | ≈$14,000–$18,000/yr* | Baseline merit for admitted freshmen | No | Yes (4 years) | GPA in the 3.25–3.59 range* |
| Dean’s Scholarship | ≈$19,000–$23,000/yr* | Admitted freshmen with stronger academics and rigor | No | Yes (4 years) | GPA in the 3.6–3.89 range* |
| Presidential Scholarship | ≈$24,000–$27,000/yr* | High-achieving admits with rigorous coursework and leadership | No | Yes (4 years) | GPA ≥3.8* |
| Board of Trustees Scholarship | ≈$28,000–$30,000/yr* | Top-tier admits; strongest academics and leadership profile | No | Yes (4 years) | GPA ≥3.9* |
*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 for 2025–2026. Targeted awards (such as Hometown Scholars or the LaVerne Noyes program) are listed in the Hidden Gems section.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No university-wide competitive scholarships currently listed. | |||||
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.
⭐ 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.
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.
🎖️ 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.
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.
- 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
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.