Bradley University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Paying for a private university like Bradley doesn’t have to feel out of reach. Many families—especially first-gen parents—are surprised at how much automatic merit and special scholarships can trim down the sticker price. This page breaks down Bradley’s costs, aid options, and hidden opportunities so you can make a smart plan. For Illinois families, don’t miss the Illinois state aid guide alongside our full CRP scholarship hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Bradley University
| Expense | Cost (All Students) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (12–16 credits) | $42,860 |
| Mandatory Fees | $990 |
| Housing & Meals (average on-campus) | $14,050–$16,940 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,300 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,086 |
| Travel (on-campus estimate) | $706 |
| Total (before aid) | $61,992–$64,882 |
Note: Bradley’s published “on-campus (double)” total of $62,048 includes a standard federal loan fee assumption of $56 (only if borrowing). The range above shows totals without that loan fee.
Cost & Aid FAQs
Who qualifies for lower costs at Bradley?
Most students receive some merit based on GPA, course rigor, and (if submitted) test scores. Illinois residents with lower household incomes may also qualify for the Bradley Commitment, which can cover full tuition when combined with state and federal aid.
How much do families really pay?
Sticker is roughly $62K–$65K, but the average net cost after grants and scholarships is closer to $25K per year.
Do I need a separate application to reduce costs?
No for admission-based merit; yes to filing the FAFSA on time for Illinois MAP and need-based Bradley programs.
✅ 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.
📎 Official Links
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.
✅ Last updated: September 16, 2025