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Bradley University vs Governors State University

Bradley University is a private university in Peoria, IL, and Governors State University is a public university in University Park, IL. Governors State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 48% of applicants against 77% at Bradley University. Governors State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,329 a year against $22,719 at Bradley University. About 74% of students graduate at Bradley University, compared with 21% at Governors State University. Ten years after enrolling, Bradley University alumni earn a median of about $66,852, against $58,169 for Governors State University.

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

Governors State University

University Park, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Peoria, IL
University Park, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,574
2,556
Acceptance rate
77%
48%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.24–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1090–1300
830–1060
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
16–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,719
$12,329
Full cost / yr
$54,730
$24,227
In-state tuition
$42,160
$12,004
Out-of-state tuition
$42,160
$12,004
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,269
$9,563
$30k - $48k
$16,539
$10,933
$48k - $75k
$18,609
$11,705
$75k - $110k
$22,954
$16,741
Over $110k
$30,008
$22,076
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
21%
Freshman retention
83%
56%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$59,114
$45,435
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,852
$58,169
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$18,618
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
54%
First-generation students
24%
43%
International students
2%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Apr 1

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 Governors State University harder to get into?
Governors State University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% 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 Governors State University?
Governors State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,329 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 Governors State University?
Before aid, Governors State University costs about $24,227 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 Governors State University?
Governors State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,563 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 Governors State University?
Bradley University is the larger of the two, with about 3,574 undergraduates against 2,556 at Governors State University.
Does Bradley University or Governors State University have a better graduation rate?
Bradley University has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 21% at Governors State University.
Do graduates of Bradley University or Governors State University earn more?
Bradley University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $66,852 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,169 for Governors State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bradley University and Governors State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bradley University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Governors State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bradley University and Governors State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1090–1300 at Bradley University and 830–1060 at Governors State 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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