
Bradley University is a private university in Peoria, Illinois, enrolling around 5,000 students. The university was founded in 1897 by philanthropist Lydia Moss Bradley, who initially brought a horology (watch-making) school to Peoria and later expanded its offerings to include classics, industrial arts, and home economics. Today, Bradley University offers over 100 undergraduate programs and more than 30 graduate programs across five colleges. The university is within a three-hour drive from major cities such as Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, and is also accessible by air.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of students | 4,800 (2024-25 academic year) |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 3,883 (Fall 2023) |
| Number of students pursuing degrees | 5,200 (across more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 30 graduate programs) |
| Number of students from the U.S. | 36 states |
| Number of international students | 55 countries |
| Percentage of students receiving financial aid | 85% |
| Percentage of full-time faculty with doctorate or terminal degrees | 82% |
| Campus size | 85 acres |
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What You'll Learn

Bradley University's total student enrollment in 2024-25
Bradley University, a private university in Peoria, Illinois, has seen its student enrollment numbers fluctuate in recent years. In 2023, the total undergraduate enrollment was 3,883 students. However, in the 2024-25 academic year, Bradley University's total enrollment dipped below 5,000 students for the first time in over 30 years. A university spokesperson reported a total enrollment of approximately 4,800 students, which includes traditional first-year undergraduate students. This decrease in enrollment is part of a broader trend in higher education, as institutions grapple with an "enrollment cliff" caused by various factors such as decreasing birth rates and changing student interests.
To address financial challenges, Bradley University has had to make some difficult decisions. The university faced a $13 million deficit, which resulted in the discontinuation of 20 academic programs and the elimination of 61 faculty positions. Despite these cuts, the university spokesperson assured that no further program cuts were planned for the 2024-25 academic year, and the university would continue to operate with a deficit.
Bradley University offers a unique and intimate learning environment for its students. With five colleges and hundreds of majors, the university empowers students to pursue their chosen life paths. The campus spans 85 acres and is within a three-hour drive from major cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The university's integrated approach to learning combines professional preparation, liberal arts, sciences, and co-curricular experiences to foster personal growth and prepare students for future achievements.
While Bradley University's total student enrollment for the 2024-25 academic year is approximately 4,800, the university's long-term enrollment trends and future prospects are yet to be seen. The university is committed to providing a well-rounded education and supporting students in their personal and professional endeavors. As Bradley University navigates financial challenges and adapts to changing higher education landscapes, its focus remains on creating opportunities for its students to succeed and make a positive impact in the world.
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Undergraduate enrollment at Bradley University
The decrease in enrollment at Bradley University is part of a broader trend in higher education, with the university facing competition from other institutions in the region. Despite this, Bradley University remains a popular choice for students, offering a wide range of undergraduate programs across five colleges. The university's intimate and adaptable learning environment fosters personal growth and prepares students for their chosen life paths.
Bradley University's undergraduate enrollment reflects the university's focus on providing a personalized educational experience. With a campus size of 85 acres, the university maintains a tight-knit community that values unique personalities, styles, beliefs, and perspectives. This approach to learning creates a supportive atmosphere for students to explore their academic and extracurricular interests.
The undergraduate population at Bradley University contributes to a diverse and dynamic campus culture. Students hail from 36 states across the United States and 55 countries worldwide. This diversity enriches the overall undergraduate experience, exposing students to a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The university's location in Peoria, Illinois, the state's second-largest metropolitan area, further enhances the undergraduate years by offering a blend of urban conveniences and a close-knit community feel.
In conclusion, Bradley University's undergraduate enrollment of approximately 3,883 students underscores the university's commitment to delivering a personalized educational journey. The institution fosters an inclusive and engaging environment, empowering students to pursue their academic passions and grow into their chosen life paths. With its diverse student body and dedicated faculty, Bradley University creates a transformative undergraduate experience that prepares graduates for future success.
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Enrollment decline in 2024
Bradley University, a private university in Peoria, Illinois, has seen a decline in its student enrollment for the 2024-25 academic year, falling below 5,000 students for the first time in over 30 years. The total enrollment is approximately 4,800 students, down from 5,217 in 2023-24, and is the lowest overall enrollment since at least 1990. This decrease in student numbers has resulted in financial challenges for the university, with a reported $13 million deficit that has prompted the elimination of 61 faculty positions and the discontinuation of 20 academic programs.
The decline in enrollment at Bradley University is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader trend affecting higher education institutions across the country. Multiple factors have contributed to this phenomenon, including declining birth rates during the Great Recession and decreasing interest in pursuing traditional two- or four-year degree programs. The university's first-year enrollment has shown relative stability, with only a 2.5% decrease, indicating that the primary factor in the overall decline is likely attributed to a combination of other factors.
To address the financial challenges, Bradley University has taken several measures. In addition to reducing the number of faculty positions, the university has also phased out 15 programs and discontinued five other programs as majors. These decisions were met with dissent from the faculty, leading to votes of no confidence in the university president, Stephen Standifird, and Provost Walter Zakahi. The university is currently operating under a deficit, but no additional program cuts are planned for the time being.
Despite the enrollment decline and financial challenges, Bradley University maintains its commitment to providing a unique and adaptable experiential learning environment for its students. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across five colleges, empowering students to pursue their chosen life paths and welcoming their diverse personalities, styles, beliefs, and perspectives. While the university navigates through financial difficulties, its focus remains on fostering personal growth and preparing students for a lifetime of achievements.
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Bradley University's ranking among US colleges
Bradley University is a private institution founded in 1897. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,883 (as of Fall 2023) and an 85-acre campus. The university offers hundreds of majors across its five colleges.
In terms of rankings, Bradley University has been recognised in various categories. According to US News & World Report's annual college rankings for 2022-23, Bradley ranked 166th overall and 37th in the best value category. Notably, Bradley ranked among the top 10 national universities in Illinois.
Bradley University's mechanical engineering programme has also been recognised, ranking in the top 20 nationally. The university's engineering programme, which does not offer doctorates, ranked 29th out of 230, an improvement from 35th place the previous year. This ranking specifically highlighted Bradley as the highest-ranked engineering programme in Illinois for schools without doctoral programmes.
In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Bradley University ranked 189th among National Universities. This ranking is based on a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. The university's performance in these indicators contributes to its overall ranking.
The university is located in Peoria, Illinois, and is within a three-hour drive from major cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Peoria offers a diverse population, world-class research facilities, outstanding fine arts and entertainment, and a strong sense of community.
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Graduate and postgraduate programs at Bradley University
Bradley University offers a range of graduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is committed to providing students with a unique and adaptable experiential learning environment, empowering them for immediate and sustained success in their personal and professional endeavours. With a diverse student body, world-class research facilities, and a strong sense of community, Bradley University offers a holistic educational experience.
One of the key strengths of Bradley University's graduate programs is their combination of classroom instruction and practical, real-world experience. For example, the Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) program prepares graduates for thriving engineering careers characterised by continued professional growth. Similarly, the Master of Science in Computer Science program enhances graduates' skills in networking, data science, software engineering, and related fields. The university also offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, a three-year program that readies students for physical therapy licensure.
For those interested in education, Bradley University offers a graduate program in environmental education, leading to a Master of Arts degree. This program enhances graduates' effectiveness in teaching high school science courses. Additionally, the university offers a Doctor of Education degree for those aspiring to administrative positions in the field of education. Bradley University also has a strong focus on healthcare-related programs, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree that builds upon clinical experience and provides economic, leadership, and policy knowledge.
The university also offers interdisciplinary graduate programs such as the Master of Arts in Counseling, which helps aspiring and experienced counsellors hone their skills and expand their career opportunities. Furthermore, Bradley University recognises the importance of data science and offers both a Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics and a graduate certificate in computational data science. These programs equip graduates with the skills to manage and analyse large and complex datasets using state-of-the-art tools and programming languages.
In addition to its graduate programs, Bradley University also offers continuing education opportunities, such as no-cost IT microcredentials through the IT Workforce Accelerator Project. This demonstrates the university's commitment to lifelong learning and providing accessible educational pathways for both traditional and non-traditional students. Overall, Bradley University's graduate and postgraduate programs offer a well-rounded education that prepares students for successful careers and meaningful contributions to their chosen fields.
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