Exploring Enrollment: Bradley University's Student Population

Bradley University is a private university located in Peoria, Illinois, United States. The university was founded in 1897 and currently has a total enrollment of 5,552 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students. The gender distribution among the students is fairly even, with 51% women and 49% men. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with more than 100 undergraduate and over 30 graduate programs across five colleges. The campus size is approximately 85 acres, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1, with a total of over 340 full-time faculty members. The university's sports teams are known as the Bradley Braves, and they compete in the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference.

Undergraduate and graduate student numbers

Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 30 graduate programs across five colleges. The total number of students enrolled at Bradley University varies depending on the source and year of reporting. Here is a breakdown of the reported undergraduate and graduate student numbers:

Undergraduate Student Numbers:

According to Bradley University's website, the university had approximately 3,600 undergraduate students enrolled as of 2024. However, other sources provide different figures for undergraduate enrolment in previous years. In 2022, Data USA reported a total undergraduate enrolment of 5,552 students, with 4,531 full-time students and 1,021 part-time students. This discrepancy could be due to differences in reporting methods or the inclusion of different student categories.

U.S. News & World Report, a higher education ranking organisation, reported that Bradley University had a total undergraduate enrolment of 3,883 students for the fall semester of 2023. This number is closer to the figure provided by Bradley University's website and may indicate a decrease in enrolment since 2022 or a difference in reporting periods.

Additionally, Bradley University's student newspaper, The Bradley Scout, reported that undergraduate enrolment declined from 4,636 students in 2019 to 4,331 students in 2021, which they attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline is consistent with the numbers reported by other sources for 2022 and 2023.

Graduate Student Numbers:

While Bradley University's website does not provide a specific number for graduate student enrolment, it states that the university offers more than 30 graduate programs. Data USA reported a total enrolment of 5,552 students in 2022, which includes both undergraduate and graduate students. However, it is unclear how many of these students are enrolled in graduate programs.

In summary, Bradley University's undergraduate enrolment has fluctuated over the years, with recent reports indicating a decline since 2019. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but specific graduate student numbers are not readily available. The total enrolment numbers provided by different sources vary and may be influenced by reporting methods and periods.

Student demographics

Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, is a private institution that was founded in 1897. The university has a total of 5,552 students enrolled as of 2022, with 3,883 undergraduate students enrolled in the fall of 2023. The campus size is 85 acres, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 30 graduate programs across five colleges.

The student body at Bradley University is diverse, with students coming from 36 states across the US and 55 countries internationally. The ethnic makeup of the student population has shifted over time, with an increase in the number of students of colour. In 2021, 29% of enrolled undergraduate students identified as ethnic minorities, compared to 25% in 2019. In 2022, the enrolled student population was 60.9% White, 11.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.15% Black or African American, 4.56% Asian, 2.72% Two or More Races, 0.324% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.054% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders. Additionally, 156 students (2.81%) did not report their race.

In terms of gender, Bradley University has a relatively balanced ratio, with 49% of undergraduates identifying as men and 51% as women. This ratio is consistent with the breakdown of degree recipients in 2022, where 56.8% of degrees were awarded to women, and 43.2% to men.

The average class size at Bradley University is 17 students, and the university offers a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Outside of the classroom, students participate in Greek life, club and intramural sports, volunteer groups, and over 250 campus organizations. The university also offers nearly 15 varsity sports teams and various academic services to support students in their career development.

Student enrolment trends

Bradley University is a private institution in Peoria, Illinois, founded in 1897. The university offers over 100 undergraduate programs and more than 30 graduate programs across five colleges.

In 2022, Bradley University had a total student enrolment of 5,552, with 4,531 full-time students and 1,021 part-time students. This represents an 81.6% full-time enrolment rate, higher than the 67.6% average for similar institutions. The university's total enrolment has fluctuated over the years, with 5,200 students enrolled in 2021 and 4,636 undergraduate students enrolled in 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted Bradley University's enrolment, with a decline of almost 7% in undergraduate enrolment from 2019 to 2021. All five colleges at the university experienced decreased enrolment, with the Foster College of Business seeing the steepest drop of 15%. However, the university's Academic Exploration Program enrolment increased by 20% over the same period.

First-year enrolment at Bradley University saw a positive trend, with a slight increase in 2021 compared to the previous year. The university attributed this to a shift in admissions strategy during the pandemic. The university's retention rate for first-year students has also remained strong, with an 86.4% retention rate in 2020, just slightly below the previous year's rate of 86.5%.

In terms of demographics, the enrolled student population at Bradley University in 2022 was predominantly White (60.9%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (11.7%), Black or African American (9.15%), Asian (4.56%), and Two or More Races (2.72%). The gender distribution was relatively balanced, with 51% female and 49% male students.

The university received 11,352 undergraduate applications in 2022, an increase of 12.3% from the previous year. The acceptance rate for the same year was 75.1%, resulting in 8,530 accepted students.

The cost of tuition and fees at Bradley University is a factor to consider when examining enrolment trends. The median undergraduate tuition for the 2022-2023 school year was $37,380, significantly higher than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities. Despite the high tuition costs, Bradley University provides financial assistance, with 97% of undergraduate students receiving financial aid through grants and 64% through loans in 2022.

Student residence

On-Campus Housing

Bradley University offers on-campus housing for students, providing a safe and inclusive community that engages and supports its residents. The Office of Residential Living and Student Conduct fosters student success through individualised support and collaboration with campus partners.

Residence Halls

The residence halls at Bradley University offer various amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and convenient living experience for students. Each hall is equipped with washers and dryers, and common areas such as hallways, bathrooms, lobbies, and lounges are regularly cleaned by housekeepers. Students have access to high-speed network connections in their rooms, and the university provides clear directions for registering personal computers with the university network.

Room Amenities and Restrictions

Students are allowed to bring their own refrigerators, provided they do not exceed 4.2 cubic feet in capacity. They can also bring futons, but they should check the room dimensions to ensure they fit properly. The residence halls have vending machines with a wide variety of snacks, and each hall has a mailbox for students to receive mail and packages.

Safety and Security

Bradley University has implemented swipe-card access in its residence halls to enhance security. Students use their student IDs to access entrances, hallways, elevators, and stairwells, and in some cases, their room doors. This adds an extra layer of safety for residents.

Student Activities and Engagement

The university promotes a sense of community and engagement through various activities and organisations. Approximately 30% of students participate in Greek life, while others join club or intramural sports, volunteer groups, or one of the 250 other campus organisations. The university also offers nearly 15 varsity sports teams and numerous campus activities to ensure students have a vibrant and engaging college experience.

Student financial aid

Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, offers a range of financial aid options for its students. The university's Student Financial Services (SFS) office provides a one-stop experience for billing and payments, financial aid, scholarships, and student and parent borrowing. More than 90% of Bradley students receive financial assistance awards, which is testament to the university's commitment to making its degrees accessible.

The cost of attendance for undergraduate and graduate students at Bradley University is $42,160 in tuition and fees. This figure does not include additional expenses such as room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation. The university offers a variety of financial aid options to help students and their families offset these costs.

Need-based financial aid is available for students who demonstrate financial need. The average need-based aid package at Bradley University can be found on the university's website, along with information on the average cost after aid. Additionally, the university offers academic scholarships based on merit, as well as grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for need-based aid, and students are encouraged to submit it as early as possible.

The university's website provides a comprehensive overview of the financial aid process, including information on types of aid, application procedures, and eligibility requirements. Students and parents can also contact the Student Financial Services office directly with any questions or for assistance in navigating the financial aid process. The office can be reached by phone or email, and its staff is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service.

In addition to financial aid, Bradley University offers academic services to help students make the most of their degrees. The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship advises students interested in starting a business, while the Smith Career Center provides support with résumés, cover letters, and interviews. With a range of financial aid options and academic support services, Bradley University ensures that its students have the resources they need to succeed in their chosen field of study.

Frequently asked questions