Exploring Bradley University's Student Population

Bradley University is a private research institution in Peoria, Illinois, that was founded in 1897. The university has a rich history and offers a wide range of academic programs to its students. In recent years, Bradley University's total enrollment has fluctuated, and understanding the current number of students is essential for prospective students, the university community, and those interested in higher education trends. As of 2024, Bradley University's total enrollment has dipped below 5,000 students, with approximately 3,600 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students.

Bradley University's total student population

Bradley University is a private research institution in Peoria, Illinois, that was founded in 1897. The university has a total of 4,800 students enrolled for the 2024-25 academic year, according to a university spokesperson who spoke to Peoria Public Radio in September 2024. This figure includes 3,883 undergraduate students and 1,200 graduate students, for a total of approximately 5,083 students. The number of enrolled students for the 2023-24 academic year was higher, at 5,217.

The undergraduate population at Bradley University is diverse, with students coming from 36 states across the United States and 55 countries internationally. The gender breakdown of the undergraduate population is relatively balanced, with 49% men and 51% women. The university's first-year student enrollment is 811, and its transfer enrollment is 120.

The total student population at Bradley University has experienced a decline in recent years, falling below 5,000 for the first time in over 30 years. This decrease in enrollment has occurred amidst financial challenges for the university, with a $13 million deficit leading to the elimination of 61 faculty positions and the phasing out or discontinuation of several academic programs. Despite these difficulties, Bradley University continues to offer a wide range of academic programs and opportunities for its students.

Undergraduate vs graduate student numbers

Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,883 as of Fall 2023. The university also enrolls around 1,200 graduate students, bringing the total number of students to around 5,000.

The undergraduate population at Bradley University has experienced a slight decrease in recent years. In 2022, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,600, which dropped to 3,883 in 2023. Despite this fluctuation, the undergraduate population at Bradley University generally remains above 3,500. On the other hand, the number of graduate students has remained relatively consistent at around 1,200.

The variation in enrollment numbers between undergraduate and graduate programs at Bradley University can be attributed to several factors. Undergraduate programs typically have larger class sizes and attract a higher number of applicants, resulting in greater enrollment numbers. Additionally, undergraduate programs often offer a wider range of majors and specializations, catering to a broader student body. Graduate programs, on the other hand, tend to be more specialized and may have smaller class sizes to facilitate a more intimate learning environment.

The university's undergraduate enrollment numbers reflect a diverse student body, with students coming from 36 states across the US and 55 countries internationally. This diversity contributes to a rich campus culture and enhances the overall educational experience. The university's commitment to providing financial assistance to its students, with over 90% of students receiving awards, also plays a role in attracting and retaining a substantial undergraduate population.

First-year student enrollment

Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, has approximately 3,600 undergraduate students and 1,200 graduate students. The total number of students enrolled at Bradley University for the 2024-25 academic year is about 4,800, a decrease from 5,217 in 2023-24. This is the lowest overall enrollment the university has seen since 1990.

In 2023, Bradley University had a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,883 students, with a campus size of 85 acres. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 30 graduate programs across five colleges. The first-year student enrollment is an important metric for the university, as it indicates the demand for its academic programs and the overall health of the institution.

The university has a diverse student body, with students coming from 36 states across the United States and 55 countries. Additionally, 48% of the first-year class are students of color, and the student body is evenly split between men and women, with 49% male and 51% female undergraduates. The average class size at Bradley University is 17 students, and the university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, with more than 340 full-time faculty members.

Student demographics

Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, was founded in 1897 as a polytechnic school by philanthropist Lydia Moss Bradley. It has since expanded to include five colleges offering hundreds of majors. The university is home to around 5,000 students, with total enrolment dipping below this figure for the first time in over 30 years in the 2024-25 academic year. Undergraduate enrolment in Fall 2023 was 3,883, with 49% men and 51% women. The university also has around 1,200 graduate students, bringing total enrolment to approximately 5,000.

Bradley University's student body is diverse, with students coming from 36 states across the US and 55 countries internationally. The university also has a relatively even mix of male and female students, with men making up 49% of undergraduates and women 51%. In addition, 48% of first-year students are students of colour. The average class size is 17 students, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1.

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 30 graduate programs across its five colleges: the Foster College of Business, the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts, the College of Education and Health Sciences, the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation is also among the first of its kind in the nation.

In addition to its academic offerings, Bradley University provides a variety of extracurricular opportunities for students, including over 200 student organizations and 15 varsity sports. The university is also home to a successful sales team that has won the National Collegiate Sales Competition three times.

Student housing and campus size

Bradley University's campus size is 85 acres, although one source states it is 97 acres, and another 84 acres. The campus is located in the West Bluff residential neighbourhood, one mile from downtown Peoria and eight miles from Peoria International Airport. The campus is relatively compact, with student housing concentrated on the east side. There are several residence halls and university-owned apartment complexes.

The campus is home to 87 buildings, including the Dingeldine Music Centre, located on the south side, and two athletic facilities: the Markin Family Student Recreation Centre and the Renaissance Coliseum. The oldest building is Westlake Hall, built in 1897, which is home to the College of Education and Health Sciences. The building was renovated between 2010 and 2012, increasing its size sixfold and adding a clock tower.

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