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Bradley University vs Illinois Wesleyan University

Bradley University is a private university in Peoria, IL, and Illinois Wesleyan University is a private university in Bloomington, IL. Illinois Wesleyan University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 39% of applicants against 77% at Bradley University. Bradley University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,719 a year against $28,199 at Illinois Wesleyan University. About 78% of students graduate at Illinois Wesleyan University, compared with 74% at Bradley University. Ten years after enrolling, Illinois Wesleyan University alumni earn a median of about $70,871, against $66,852 for Bradley University.

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Peoria, IL
Bloomington, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,574
1,582
Acceptance rate
77%
39%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1090–1300
1120–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
25–30
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,719
$28,199
Full cost / yr
$54,730
$70,700
In-state tuition
$42,160
$57,704
Out-of-state tuition
$42,160
$57,704
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,269
$17,732
$30k - $48k
$16,539
$19,057
$48k - $75k
$18,609
$23,152
$75k - $110k
$22,954
$27,396
Over $110k
$30,008
$37,104
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
78%
Freshman retention
83%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$59,114
$56,082
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,852
$70,871
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
26%
First-generation students
24%
18%
International students
2%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 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 Illinois Wesleyan University harder to get into?
Illinois Wesleyan University is harder to get into. It admits about 39% 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 Illinois Wesleyan University?
Bradley University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,719 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,199 at Illinois Wesleyan 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 Illinois Wesleyan University?
Before aid, Bradley University costs about $54,730 a year and Illinois Wesleyan University about $70,700. 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 Illinois Wesleyan University?
Bradley University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,269 there, against about $17,732 at Illinois Wesleyan University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bradley University or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Bradley University is the larger of the two, with about 3,574 undergraduates against 1,582 at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Does Bradley University or Illinois Wesleyan University have a better graduation rate?
Illinois Wesleyan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 74% at Bradley University.
Do graduates of Bradley University or Illinois Wesleyan University earn more?
Illinois Wesleyan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $70,871 ten years after enrolling, against about $66,852 for Bradley University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bradley University and Illinois Wesleyan University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bradley University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Illinois Wesleyan University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Bradley University and Illinois Wesleyan University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1090–1300 at Bradley University and 1120–1340 at Illinois Wesleyan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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