Peoria, IL · Private University
Is Bradley University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$66,852
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$39,680
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,680
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$158,720
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.69x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
72.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$23,572
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Bradley University graduates earn $21,852 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Bradley University ranked by graduate earnings
33 graduates
22 graduates
44 graduates
96 graduates
38 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Bradley University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Bradley University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering: $90,424) and the lowest (Music: $28,137) is $62,287/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications EngineeringBest ROI | $90,424 | 2.3x |
| Industrial Engineering | $82,984 | 2.1x |
| Computer Science | $81,979 | 2.1x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $81,887 | 2.1x |
| Civil Engineering | $73,795 | 1.9x |
| Manufacturing Engineering | $73,608 | 1.9x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $72,938 | 1.8x |
| Construction Engineering(1yr data) | $71,053 | 1.8x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $70,087 | 1.8x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $69,752 | 1.8x |
| Political Science and Government | $68,838 | 1.7x |
| Marketing | $62,440 | 1.6x |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $60,754 | 1.5x |
| Information Science/Studies(1yr data) | $58,014 | 1.5x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $53,855 | 1.4x |
| International Business(1yr data) | $52,357 | 1.3x |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services | $51,158 | 1.3x |
| Graphic Communications | $48,515 | 1.2x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $48,400 | 1.2x |
| Psychology, General | $48,252 | 1.2x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $48,152 | 1.2x |
| Social Work | $44,117 | 1.1x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $43,648 | 1.1x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $43,491 | 1.1x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $37,415 | 0.9x |
| MusicLowest(1yr data) | $28,137 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Bradley University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $66,852 10 years after starting — $21,852 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5 years — faster than most colleges.
Ready to apply to Bradley University?
See your odds of admission based on your GPA and test scores.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.