Skip to content

Bradley University vs Chicago State University

Bradley University is a private university in Peoria, IL. Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, IL. Chicago State University admits about 43% of applicants and Bradley University about 77%, making Chicago State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,335 a year at Chicago State University after aid, and about $22,719 at Bradley University. About 74% of students graduate at Bradley University, compared with 16% at Chicago State University. Ten years after enrolling, Bradley University alumni earn a median of about $66,852, against $42,778 for Chicago State University.

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Peoria, IL
Chicago, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,574
1,384
Acceptance rate
77%
43%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.2–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1090–1300
750–963
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
15–19
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,719
$12,335
Full cost / yr
$54,730
$29,764
In-state tuition
$42,160
$12,754
Out-of-state tuition
$42,160
$12,754
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,269
$9,073
$30k - $48k
$16,539
$9,550
$48k - $75k
$18,609
$11,334
$75k - $110k
$22,954
$13,899
Over $110k
$30,008
$28,427
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
16%
Freshman retention
83%
57%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$59,114
$33,805
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,852
$42,778
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$30,625
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
58%
First-generation students
24%
42%
International students
2%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bradley University or Chicago State University harder to get into?
Chicago State University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 77% at Bradley University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bradley University or Chicago State University?
Chicago State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,335 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,719 at Bradley University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bradley University and Chicago State University?
Before aid, Chicago State University costs about $29,764 a year and Bradley University about $54,730. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bradley University or Chicago State University?
Chicago State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,073 there, against about $17,269 at Bradley University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bradley University or Chicago State University?
Bradley University is the larger of the two, with about 3,574 undergraduates against 1,384 at Chicago State University.
Does Bradley University or Chicago State University have a better graduation rate?
Bradley University has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 16% at Chicago State University.
Do graduates of Bradley University or Chicago State University earn more?
Bradley University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $66,852 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,778 for Chicago State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bradley University and Chicago State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bradley University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Chicago State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bradley University and Chicago State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1090–1300 at Bradley University and 750–963 at Chicago State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school