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Bradley University vs Elmhurst University

Bradley University is a private university in Peoria, IL, and Elmhurst University is a private university in Elmhurst, IL. Elmhurst University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 74% of applicants against 77% at Bradley University. Bradley University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,719 a year against $24,185 at Elmhurst University. About 74% of students graduate at Bradley University, compared with 68% at Elmhurst University. Ten years after enrolling, Bradley University alumni earn a median of about $66,852, against $61,462 for Elmhurst University.

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Peoria, IL
Elmhurst, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,574
3,006
Acceptance rate
77%
74%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1090–1300
990–1260
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
23–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,719
$24,185
Full cost / yr
$54,730
$54,679
In-state tuition
$42,160
$42,955
Out-of-state tuition
$42,160
$42,955
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,269
$17,892
$30k - $48k
$16,539
$18,377
$48k - $75k
$18,609
$23,098
$75k - $110k
$22,954
$25,419
Over $110k
$30,008
$30,232
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
68%
Freshman retention
83%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$59,114
$52,803
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,852
$61,462
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$20,489
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
37%
First-generation students
24%
35%
International students
2%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
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 Elmhurst University harder to get into?
Elmhurst University is harder to get into. It admits about 74% 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 Elmhurst University?
Bradley University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,719 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,185 at Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst University?
Before aid, Elmhurst University costs about $54,679 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 Elmhurst University?
Bradley University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,269 there, against about $17,892 at Elmhurst University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bradley University or Elmhurst University?
Bradley University is the larger of the two, with about 3,574 undergraduates against 3,006 at Elmhurst University.
Does Bradley University or Elmhurst University have a better graduation rate?
Bradley University has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 68% at Elmhurst University.
Do graduates of Bradley University or Elmhurst University earn more?
Bradley University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $66,852 ten years after enrolling, against about $61,462 for Elmhurst University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bradley University and Elmhurst University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bradley University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Elmhurst University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bradley University and Elmhurst University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1090–1300 at Bradley University and 990–1260 at Elmhurst University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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