Bradley University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026- 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
- 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
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.
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 — 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. 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.