Overview
Bradley University Prepares Students for Success in Careers, Graduate School, and Life
Bradley University is a private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering more than 100 academic programs to 6,000 students. Students enjoy extensive resources not available at most small colleges and personal attention not commonly found at large universities.
Bradley University ranks among "Peterson's" 440 Colleges for Top Students and the Best 371 Colleges by "Princeton Review." "U.S. News & World Report" annually selects Bradley as being among the Top 15 Percent of schools in the nation. Bradley University has also been ranked among the Top Ten Midwest Master's-Level Universities in "U.S. News & World Report" every year since the magazine began its college rankings. In addition, "Colleges of Distinction" notes, "Bradley emphasizes experiential learning and hands-on career preparation in addition to traditional classroom work."
On average, 94 percent of graduates start jobs or are attending graduate school within six months of graduation. The school stands above other private Illinois universities in helping prepare students for success in careers and graduate school; Bradley's Smith Career Center provides comprehensive career resource for students. Seventy-six percent of students reported having at least one career-related work experience.
Bradley University Offers a Residential Campus Close to Metropolitan Peoria
Bradley's residential campus is located in a historic neighborhood just one-mile from downtown Peoria ¿the largest metropolitan area in downstate Illinois. Peoria is home to several multinational corporations, businesses, and research centers that offer numerous internships and chances for practicums and cooperative education. Additionally, Peoria offers an abundance of fine and performing arts, cultural attractions, shopping, entertainment, and professional sports teams. Both Chicago and St. Louis are less than a 3-hour drive.
Undergraduates Can Choose From More Than 100 Majors and Academic Programs at Bradley University
Bradley University offers a myriad of degrees, making it very competitive among private Illinois universities. Students may pursue more than 100 undergraduate academic programs. Bradley University's Graduate School offers master's degrees in more than thirty areas of study.
In addition to the traditional liberal arts and sciences, Bradley University academic programs include business, communications, education, engineering, fine and performing arts, and health sciences. Unique programs include entrepreneurship, health science with a direct entry to the Doctorate of Physical Therapy, interactive media, and sports communication.
Bradley University's five academic colleges and graduate school are fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities.
Faculty Members at Bradley University Introduce Students to Invaluable Real-World Experiences
Bradley University is home to more than 375 teaching faculty members. Class sizes are small compared to other private Illinois universities; the student-faculty ratio is 14:1, and the average class size is 23 students. Academic, career, and personal counseling are readily available to all students. Bradley University is nationally recognized for the excellence of its faculty members, who not only teach undergraduates but also are active researchers and consultants in the academic disciplines. Bradley University students are encouraged to take advantage of a wealth of internships, co-ops, practicums, undergraduate research, and other "real-world" experiences. Bradley's retention, graduation, and placement rates are among the highest in the nation.
Special Programs at Bradley Range From Academics to Honors and Service to Preparation for Graduate School
Bradley University students may prepare for graduate school with expert guidance from a full-service Pre-Law Center, a pre-med program, and more than thirty graduate programs that include a Doctorate of Physical Therapy located at Bradley. Popular five-year undergraduate/graduate programs include B.S./M.S. options in accounting, biology, chemistry, or finance.
More than 125 new students start out each year in Bradley's Academic Exploration Program (AEP), a comprehensive program that helps undecided students choose a major after enrollment.
Additional programs that attract wide interest include the Honors Program, ROTC, The Center for Principled Leadership, the Lewis J. Burger Center for Student Leadership and Public Service, and an extensive study-abroad program.
Bradley University Students Are Involved in Student Organizations, Many in Leadership and Community Service
Bradley University students are involved in more than 240 student organizations, including more than sixty dedicated to student leadership and community service. Some of the most active groups on campus include a nationally recognized speech team, a popular fraternity and sorority system, and more than a dozen student religious groups. In addition to thirteen Division I sports teams, hundreds of students play intramural sports and join club teams such as women's softball, men's hockey, men's and women's soccer, and men's and women's volleyball. Other sports and fitness organizations include dance, fencing, Frisbee, golf, gymnastics, rock climbing, running, skateboarding, skydiving, and water polo.
Bradley University's Scholarships and Financial Assistance Help Make It a Top School at a Great Price
In its 2009 edition of America's Best Colleges, "U.S. News & World Report" ranked Bradley among the Top Schools at Great Prices. Nearly 90 percent of Bradley students use one or more financial assistance programs and a competitive scholarship program with scholarships ranging from $2,500 to full-tuition. Average financial assistance approaches nearly $14,000 per student. Bradley University also offers scholarships to encourage diversity, talent in the fine and performing arts, and athletic achievement.
