About

Bradley University is home to the boundary breakers, the new thinkers, to a symphony of unique voices, stories, and people who want to change the world. Bradley University doesn’t mass produce professionals, it provides students the opportunity to grow into their chosen life path through its five colleges and hundreds of majors. At Bradley University, we applaud and welcome the unique personalities, styles, beliefs, and perspectives each student brings to our campus.

Our integrated approach to learning creates opportunities for personal growth and preparation for a lifetime of achievements. You’ll experience an intimate and adaptable experiential learning environment where you’ll be prepared to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

More than 185 academic programs
map of Illinois and surrounding states

Visiting Campus

Bradley is within three hours driving distance from Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis, and is also accessible by air. The O'Hare and Midway bus service provides easy transportation between major Chicago airports and the Bradley campus. Or, better yet, fly directly to Peoria with daily flights to the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA), with jet service to and from Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Minneapolis. Other destinations include Destin (FL), Las Vegas (NV), Mesa (AZ), Nashville (TN), Orlando (FL), Punta Gorda (FL), and St. Petersburg (FL).

teacher student interaction

Mission, Values and Vision

Bradley University empowers students for immediate and sustained success in their personal and professional endeavors by combining professional preparation, liberal arts and sciences, and co-curricular experiences. Alongside our dedication to students, we embrace the generation, application, and interpretation of knowledge.

hisotrical photo of Bradley Hall and Westlake

History

Lydia Moss Bradley brought a horology (watch-making) school to Peoria and expanded its offerings to include classics, industrial arts and home economics. Since opening as Bradley Polytechnic Institute in 1897, Bradley University has sought to reflect Mrs. Bradley’s desire to develop well-rounded, productive citizens.

Global Bradley

Bradley University is your access point to a worldwide network of people, institutions and experiences! Take advantage of our varied academic programs, courses and study abroad opportunities that will provide you an in-depth understanding of our world and its complexity.

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globally-focused majors and minors


Global Scholars programs


countries represented in our student body

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study abroad programs

Administration

hisotrical photo of Bradley Hall and Westlake

Recognition and Guidebooks

Publications like U.S. News and World Report, the Princeton Review, Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg Businessweek recognize Bradley University for its academic rigor, value and student engagement.

founded in 1897, 8 colleges and schools

Quickfacts

Bradley University is a unique place to call “home” for four years. Learn the basic facts about academics, student life, famous alumni, sports and more.

Peoria Riverfront Peoria skyline at Night Spirit of Peoria riverboat Peoria Civic Center Arieal View Illinois River Valley