Scholarships & Grants

Sources of Assistance

The University awards hundreds of different grants and scholarships from a variety of sources including federal, state, and private entities. Every student has individual characteristics that determine their eligibility for specific awards. Listed here are the most common grant and scholarship opportunities available for undergraduate students at Bradley. If you want information about an award that is not described here, please contact us.

Academic Scholarships

First Year: $56,000 – $120,000 over four years
Transfer: $26,000 – $30,000 over two years

Academic scholarships are awarded at the time of admission. A number of criteria are used in awarding these scholarships including an assessment of academic performance and records of leadership and service in schools and communities. Academic scholarship levels and amounts are not reevaluated after a student has enrolled.

First Year Scholarships

This scholarship is awarded to first-time freshmen during the review of their admission applications. Initial eligibility criteria may vary from one year to the next as determined by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. To be eligible for this scholarship requires full-time enrollment (12 or more hours per semester) and can only be applied to on campus residential tuition charges. This is an eight semester award subject to meeting the renewal GPA requirement.

There are four first year scholarships available. These include:

University Scholarship
Dean’s Scholarship
Presidential Scholarship
Board of Trustee’s Scholarship

Transfer Scholarship

This scholarship is automatically awarded to new transfer students who have earned a minimum of 24 transferable semester hours and 3.0/4.0 GPA from an accredited college or university. To be eligible for this scholarship requires full-time enrollment (12 or more hours per semester) and can only be applied to on campus residential tuition charges. Renewal is subject to meeting the renewal GPA requirement. This scholarship is typically awarded for a maximum of four semesters.

Presidential Transfer Scholarship

This scholarship is automatically awarded to new transfer students who have earned a minimum of 24 transferable semester hours and 3.25/4.0 GPA from an accredited college or university. To be eligible for this scholarship requires full-time enrollment (12 or more hours per semester) and can only be applied to on campus residential tuition charges. Renewal is subject to meeting the renewal GPA requirement. This scholarship is typically awarded for a maximum of four semesters.

Special Scholarships

Hometown Scholars

The Bradley Hometown Scholars Program is an application-based scholarship that is awarded to students at the time of admission. Students who are selected as a Bradley Hometown Scholar receive a financial aid award that will cover Bradley tuition. Additionally, a portion of on campus housing and meal plan expenses may be covered pending eligibility for Federal Pell Grant and Student Loan programs as determined by the student’s FAFSA. To be eligible to apply for the Bradley Hometown Scholars Program, students must meet the following criteria:

Must attend and graduate from East Peoria High School, Limestone High School, Manual High School, Pekin High School, Peoria High School, or Richwoods High School
Have a minimum 3.25 GPA
Have applied and been admitted to Bradley University as a first-year student
Belong to an underrepresented population at Bradley University
Have demonstrated financial need and filed the FAFSA

Legacy/Sibling Scholarship

These $1,500 annual awards recognize academically-talented students who have siblings that attend Bradley, or who have siblings, parents or grandparents who have a degree from Bradley. Eligibility is determined at the time of application for admission. Recipients must remain in good academic standing for renewal. To be eligible for this scholarship requires full-time enrollment (12 or more hours per semester) and can only be applied to on campus residential tuition charges. This scholarship is awarded to first-year students for a maximum of eight semesters and transfer students for a maximum of four semesters subject to meeting the renewal GPA requirement.

Caterpillar Employee Dependents Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to dependent children of Caterpillar employees, retirees, and deceased employees. Eligibility is determined at the time of application for admission. To be eligible for this scholarship requires full-time enrollment (12 or more hours per semester) and can only be applied to on campus residential tuition charges. This scholarship is awarded to first-year students for a maximum of eight semesters and transfer students for a maximum of four semesters subject to meeting the renewal GPA requirement.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

Beginning fall of 2020, transfer students qualifying for a transfer scholarship who have been recognized for academic performance through membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honorary Society receive an award of $1,000. Eligibility is determined at the time of application for admission. To be eligible for this scholarship requires full-time enrollment (12 or more hours per semester) and can only be applied to on campus residential tuition charges. Renewal is subject to meeting the renewal GPA requirement. This scholarship is typically awarded for a maximum of four semesters.

Scholarship Application Forms

2024-2025

Scholarship Applications

Verification Forms

2025-2026

Scholarship Applications

Verification Forms

Helpful Instructions

Grants & Additional Assistance

Pell Grant & FSEOG

Students with very limited family resources are awarded either or both of these federally-funded grants. Eligibility is determined annually by the FAFSA. Pell Grants with full-time annual enrollment can be valued at as much as $7395. FSEOG awards can be as high as $4,000 per year. If you were determined to meet the eligibility criteria, your grant would be identified as Federal Pell Grant or Federal SEOG on your award notification.

College Work Study

Students with limited family resources as determined by the results of the FAFSA are provided this federally-funded opportunity to earn “spending money” through part-time, on-campus employment. Students typically work 8 to 10 hours per week. Paychecks are issued bi-weekly. Eligibility for work-study does not guarantee you will find a campus job. However, at the beginning of the Fall Semester, students are encouraged to attend the annual Part-time Job Fair sponsored by the Smith Career Center. The Center also posts jobs for students wishing to work who are not eligible for College Work Study.

Learn more about work study programs.

State of IL MAP Grant

This state-funded grant program is available to qualified Illinois students attending in-state colleges and universities based upon FAFSA results. Grants range from $1612 to $8064 per year. Eligibility is determined using a formula prescribed by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and the MAP Estimator can be used to estimate your max award. The MAP Grant is restricted to tuition and mandatory fees only.

If your award notification includes this source of assistance, the amount of grant is based on a 15 credit hour per semester course load. Semester enrollments of less than 15 credit hours will result in a proportionate reduction of award amounts. For example, your annual MAP Grant for semester enrollments of 12 hours will be 20% less than shown on this notification.

2024-2025 Map Awards

By applying for financial aid and agreeing to share that information with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) you have been considered for the State of Illinois (IL) Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant. All MAP-approved institutions are required by the State of Illinois to announce MAP Grant awards to students who are enrolled or intending to enroll at their institution. An award amount is included in your financial aid package if you have met the eligibility criteria.

The MAP Grant award amount is an estimate made by the financial aid office and is identified as a “State of IL MAP Grant (Est)”. Please be aware that the number of available MAP Grants is limited by funding levels approved by the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor, and reductions to estimated or actual MAP Grants are possible.

There are also limitations to how long you can continue to receive a MAP Grant. Usage is tracked by the number of credit hours for which you’ve received MAP benefits and is referred to as MAP Paid Credit Hours (MPCHs). The maximum number of MPCHs that can be received is 135, which is equivalent to approximately four and a half years of full-time enrollment. For your reference, and to learn more about MPCH limitations, you may access a record of your MPCHs, as well as other student resources, through the ISAC Student Portal at studentportal.isac.org.

Eligibility for the need-based MAP Grant award may indicate that you are eligible for assistance with expenses such as food, housing, or child care for dependent children. If you have dependent care expenses, ask the financial aid office about the federal dependent care allowance. For eligibility and application information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Child Care Assistance Program, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 800-843-6154 or www.dhs.state.il.us. Contact the Illinois Hunger Coalition Hunger Hotline at 800-359-2163 or www.ilhunger.org.

2025-2026 Map Awards

Bradley Grant

Students are automatically considered for all financial aid options, including donor funded scholarships and institutional need-based grants, as part of their transparent financial aid offer. Scholarships are awarded based on several factors including, but not limited to, academic standing, scholarship criteria, and financial need as determined by the FAFSA.

You may see Bradley Grant included in your financial assistance offer. This need-based grant is funded through university funds and endowments established by donors. It is often awarded as a placeholder until you can be matched with a specific donor-funded scholarship; this typically happens after students have finished their first semester and established good academic standing. If you are matched with a donor-funded scholarship, you’ll receive an email notification from the Office of Financial Assistance regarding a revision to your financial assistance. The donor-funded scholarship replaces Bradley Grant as part of your financial assistance offer.

A combination of factors are considered when making these university-funded awards including a student’s academic performance, FAFSA results, and eligibility for other grants and scholarships. Awards vary and can change from year-to-year. Bradley Grant requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade average for renewal. Eligibility requires full-time enrollment (12 or more hours per semester) and can only be applied to on campus residential tuition charges. Institutional grants and scholarships are typically awarded to first-year students for a maximum of eight semesters and transfer students for a maximum of four semesters subject to meeting the renewal GPA requirement.

The Bradley Commitment

We don’t believe anything should stand in the way of your academic potential. Bradley is offering the Bradley Commitment, a program designed to fully cover tuition costs for qualifying students.

Eligibility Criteria

Students must meet all the following criteria to be considered for the Bradley Commitment.

You and your parent(s) must be Illinois residents.
You must have attended and graduated from an Illinois high school with a GPA of 2.8 or above.
Students must be Pell eligible.
You must be under the age of 24 and admitted as a new first-year fall 2025 student.
Your family’s annual gross income (AGI) is less than $65,000.
You must be enrolled in-person, full time (at least 12 hours) during the fall and spring semesters.
To be eligible for renewal, students must remain Pell-eligible, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above, family AGI is less than $65,000, and the parent and student must remain Illinois residents.

*BU Commitment will not cover summer tuition. It’s only available for fall and spring semesters.

How to Apply

Getting started is simple:

Complete your FAFSA (list Bradley University, School Code: 001641).
Submit your application to Bradley University.

There’s no separate Bradley Commitment application. Once Bradley receives your FAFSA information, we may require additional documents to confirm your eligibility.

FAQs

What is the Bradley Commitment?

The Bradley Commitment is a financial aid package that provides scholarships and grants to cover tuition for students who are Illinois residents and have a family annual gross income (AGI) of $65,000 or less. Bradley Commitment will cover tuition for new freshmen for up to four (4) years of continuous enrollment, as long as students meet the eligibility requirements each semester.

What does household Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) mean?

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is a combination of the parent’s and student’s income as reported on the IRS Form 1040.

How do I apply for this program?

Students must complete an admissions application, be admitted to Bradley University and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Be sure to include Bradley’s Federal School Code (001641) on your FAFSA.

What costs does the program cover?

Through Bradley Commitment, eligible students will receive a financial aid package that provides scholarship and grant funding to cover the full cost of tuition. Bradley University will cover the cost of tuition not covered by other federal, state, institutional and private awards including Federal Pell Grant, State of Illinois MAP Program (MAP), and other awards.

What does Bradley Commitment not cover?

Bradley Commitment does not cover the additional costs associated with required fees (health fee, activity fee, tech fee) food and housing, course fees, summer classes, January interim, concurrent enrollment, study abroad, co-op, internship or other student expenses.

Does Bradley Commitment cover course fees?

It does not.

How can I determine whether I qualify?

Recipients whose family’s AGI is $65,000 or less qualify. FAFSA instructions and federal regulations will be followed when determining whose information should be included on the FAFSA. We may ask for more information as needed to determine family qualification.

Do I need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? If so, when?

Yes, to determine Bradley Commitment eligibility, students are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on an annual basis. Students are encouraged to file the FAFSA as soon as possible after it becomes available to be fully considered for Bradley Commitment and all other financial aid program opportunities.

Does the program cover my entire time at Bradley?

New freshmen will receive up to eight (8) continuous semesters of eligibility.

How does the program affect my other financial aid?

Students receiving the Bradley Commitment will be considered for additional financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans and employment) to cover other educational expenses such as food and housing, books and supplies, and personal/miscellaneous expenses.

Can I receive outside scholarships in addition to the Bradley Commitment?

Outside scholarships can be used for additional expenses such as food and housing, books and supplies, and personal/miscellaneous expenses if allowed by the issuing organization. If the total amount of grants/scholarships awarded exceed a student’s calculated financial need, a reduction may be necessary. Total aid awarded cannot exceed the cost of attendance.

What if my family income was initially $65,000 or less but is expected to be higher next year?

Students will continue to receive the Bradley Commitment in future years provided they maintain MAP and PELL Grant eligibility. A student who becomes ineligible for Bradley Commitment will be automatically considered for other aid.

What if my family AGI isn’t currently $65,000 or less but is expected to drop next year?

Only new students will be considered for Bradley Commitment, based on family income at the time the student starts as a new first-year student. Decreases in family income may result in eligibility for other financial aid program funding.

Can funding for the program be used for the summer or January interim?

Bradley Commitment funding is only available for fall and spring semesters.

Are currently enrolled students eligible?

Currently enrolled undergraduate students who meet the eligibility requirements are already receiving full tuition coverage based on their individual financial aid package, which includes all grants and scholarships available. Students or families with any questions about their financial aid package should contact Student Financial Services.

Are students admitted for the spring term eligible?

Yes, beginning spring 2026 provided they are a new Bradley undergraduate student and meet the eligibility requirements.

Are students working on a second bachelor’s degree eligible?

This program is only for students seeking their first bachelor’s degree.

Are graduate students eligible?

The Bradley Commitment is only for new undergraduate students earning their first bachelor’s degree.

What can I do if I don’t qualify?

Students who don’t meet the Bradley Commitment eligibility criteria will continue to be considered for other financial assistance.

Does Bradley Commitment cover the additional costs of special programs such as study abroad?

No, Bradley Commitment only covers tuition.

Do I need to enroll full-time to be eligible for Bradley Commitment?

Yes, students must be enrolled in-person full time (at least 12 hours) to be eligible for Bradley Commitment.

Who should I contact with questions?

To learn more about the Bradley Commitment and how you may qualify, please contact an Admission Counselor.

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Additional Links

External Scholarships

Overview

External scholarships are those that are funded by businesses, private individuals, foundations and organizations. They play an important role in providing gift revenue that students can use to help finance their education. Typically, these scholarships have specified qualifications or criteria that the applicant must meet in order to qualify, and students apply directly through the organization. Applications are usually submitted online or via a paper application and include an application deadline. It is important to follow all application instructions carefully and be mindful of filing deadlines.

Businesses, organizations and foundations often offer scholarships (not subject to repayment) to currently enrolled and prospective students to help with college expenses. Generally, these external scholarships are annual rather than four-year scholarships.

When applying for external scholarships, use caution and do not provide personal information such as your birth date or Social Security number. Similarly, we recommend that you do not consider scholarship options/searches that request a fee.

Where to find

Your high school guidance counselor or college advisor
Employers (both yours and your parents)
Local organizations or affiliations (Kiwanis, 4-H, Lions Club)
Places of volunteerism (local hospitals, clubs, etc.)
Unions

Religious affiliations
Chamber of Commerce
Local library
Your state’s Department of Public Health (for those pursuing the medical field)
Local KC/VFW halls

Scholarship search engines:
Fastweb.com
Scholarships.com
Scholarshipamerica.org

How to submit external scholarships to Bradley University

Make the scholarship check payable to the order of Bradley University. In the event the check is made payable to Bradley University and the student, the Office of Financial Assistance will contact the student to stop in and endorse the check.

List the student’s first and last name along with the BU ID# within the memo of the scholarship check or in the communication letter.

Indicate whether the scholarship is applicable to tuition only or can be used for any educational expenses (room and board, books, fees, supplies, transportation, etc.).

Drop off in person or mail the scholarship and a letter to:
Office of Financial Assistance
1501 W Bradley Ave
Swords 100
Peoria, IL 61625

Additional Considerations

External scholarships may reduce loans or Federal Work-Study a student receives.

Scholarships will be split evenly between semesters unless specified otherwise by the issuing organization.

If you are a student athlete, eligibility for an external scholarship must be approved by the Bradley University Athletics Department via the External Financial Assistance Form.

Academic College Scholarships

Caterpillar College of Engineering & Technology

Civil Engineering and Construction Leadership Excellence Scholarship

The CEC Leadership Excellence Scholarship provides recognition and financial support to four recent graduates preferably from Central Illinois high schools who intend to major in Civil Engineering or Construction at Bradley University. Awards are renewable through the completion of the students’ engineering degrees.

A selection committee comprised of Bradley faculty and staff will determine finalists based on the applicants’ academic achievements, participation in co-curricular activities, leadership and service, and potential for success in the profession. Applicants will also be required to submit a written recommendation from a school official (teacher, counselor, principal).

Students eligible to apply for this scholarship must be admitted as first-time, first-year fall students to Bradley’s Department of Civil Engineering and Construction and submit the following CEC Leadership Excellence Scholarship application.

Project Lead the Way

Bradley University has formed a partnership with Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our educational system.

Project Lead the Way has introduced you to dynamic, diverse and in-demand engineering professions. Bradley University will prepare you to begin a rewarding career in these professions by providing an education unlike most engineering schools.

Scholarship Criteria

This $1,000 Annual Scholarship is automatically awarded to students who have completed a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) course prior to enrollment in a Bradley engineering program. Eligibility is determined after the student has been admitted to the College of Engineering and Technology.

The Bradley PLTW Scholarship requires full-time attendance (12 or more hours per semester) and can be applied toward tuition only. Recipients must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA and remain enrolled in the College of Engineering and Technology for renewal.

Women in Engineering

The Women in Engineering Award provides up to $2,000 in scholarship recognition for women who enroll in the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology at Bradley University. These competitive Scholarships may be combined with other Bradley University Scholarships for awards ranging upward to full tuition. Awards are for a student’s first year of study and are not renewable.

A selection committee will determine finalists based on the applicants’ academic achievements, participation in co-curricular activities, leadership and service, and potential for success in the profession. Applicants will also be required to submit a written recommendation from a school official (teacher, counselor, principal).

Scholarship Requirements:

Be admitted as a first-time, first-year fall student to the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology at Bradley University.

Submit the following Women in Engineering Scholarship application online beginning October 1. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by December 15.

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering and Technology Scholarship

The Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Technology Scholarship provides recognition and financial support to recent high school graduates who enroll in an IMET program at Bradley University. The number and amount of awards is determined by availability of funds.

A selection committee will determine finalists based on the applicants’ academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities, and potential for success in the professions.

Students eligible to apply for this scholarship must be admitted as first-time, first-year fall students to Bradley’s IMET Department and submit the following application.

Slane College of Communication & Fine Arts

Music Scholarships

Music Major Scholarships

Students majoring in Music Performance, Music Education, Music Composition, and Music Business may audition for talent awards. Students who receive these awards must remain a music major, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above, and participate in an assigned performing ensemble each semester. To receive the best possible combination of scholarships, grants and other assistance, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1 of their final year of high school or community college, and no later than March 1 before enrolling at Bradley the following Fall Semester. Awards are limited. Early admission to the University and early auditions will enhance the student’s chances of receiving music talent scholarships.

Scholarships for Music Minors and Non-Music Majors

Band, Choir, and Orchestra scholarships are available to all students at Bradley University, regardless of major. These awards range from $200 to $500 per year. Participation in an assigned ensemble is required.

For further information concerning music scholarships, contact: Dr. Todd Kelly, Chair, Department of Music Bradley University Peoria, Illinois 61625 Phone: 309-677-2594 Email: tkelly@bradley.edu.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will assist you in scheduling a campus visit which typically includes a campus tour, a meeting with an admission and financial assistance advisor, and Bradley faculty upon request. To contact Bradley Admissions, call 309-677-1000.

Fine Arts Scholarship

The Department of Art and Design at Bradley University offers competitive scholarships to art majors with talent and motivation. The department faculty strongly believe that funding for talented studio artists is essential.

The Norma and George Kottemann Endowed Scholarship

$5,875 approx.

Kottemann Endowed Scholarship – Established in 1983 by Mrs. Norma J. Kottemann ’52 and Dr. George Kottemann ’97, this scholarship is to be awarded to art majors with first preference given to students in the sculpture program. Also considered is financial need. The scholarship may be awarded to an undergraduate in the senior year or to a graduate student. Neither Norma nor George were art majors, but they believed in the value of the arts and had a particular appreciation for sculpture.

The Norma and George Kottemann Memorial Travel Award

Up to $2,000 depending on travel specifics

Because of their love of the arts, travel, exploration and their deep appreciation of experiential learning, the Estate of Norma and George Kottemann established this travel award in recognition of mankind’s persisting effort to imagine, to create, and to transform thought into sculpture. This award is offered to an Art and Design student applying to Study Abroad, either for shorter interim trips or for a full semester. The student recipient will be selected by the Department of Art and Design Chairperson and the Director of the Study Abroad Program, based on recommendation from faculty, consideration of the student’s GPA, and commitment within their area of study.

Mendez and Kittle-Kamp Families Endowed Scholarship in Art

$6,100 approx.

Established in 2012, Margaret Mendez Kittle-Kamp ’80, and Thomas Kittle-Kamp ’82 created this scholarship to honor their belief that they are “part of a fortunate generation of Americans who were able to attend college despite limited financial means. The scholarship provides recognition for “family members of our parents’ hard-working generation who valued education, but who themselves were unable to attend college, especially our mothers, Maria de la Paz Lara Mendez and Doris Marie Skinner Kittle Kamp. Eligibility requires a student to enroll full-time, undergraduate or graduate student, majoring in art, have a 2.5 or greater GPA, and demonstrate financial need.

Deadline: Preference will be given to applications received by March 15.
Requirement: Must be an accepted applicant to Bradley University, or an existing student, and majoring in art and design.

Apply for a Fine Arts Scholarship

Speech Scholarship

The Bradley University Speech Team Scholarship provides $4,000 annually, renewable for up to four years, for a total of $16,000. Recipients join Bradley University’s renowned Speech Team, the most successful collegiate team in the nation, with over 40 national championships and 150 individual national titles. As part of the team, you’ll travel the country to compete, refine your skills, and contribute to Bradley’s unmatched legacy of excellence in collegiate speech.

Janssen Oratorical Contest

This opportunity offers exceptional students significant financial support toward their tuition at Bradley University. First place contest winners will receive $14,000, second place will receive $13,000, and third place will receive $12,000. The Janssen Scholarship combined with your Bradley Merit-based scholarships and additional grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. If the full amount cannot be awarded in the first academic year, remaining Janssen funds will be extended over subsequent academic years. To compete, students must submit a recording of an 8–10 minute original oration to aeilola@bradley.edu by January 1, 2025.

College of Education & Health Sciences

Arnold/Wheeler Scholarship

The Arnold/Wheeler Scholarship was made possible by two generous alums, Mildred Arnold (class of 1932) and Cecelia Wheeler (class of 1942). The Arnold/Wheeler scholarship provides a scholarship towards tuition for incoming first-year students, renewable for 4 years. Aside from the Arnold/Wheeler Scholarship, the FCS Department gives out one-time scholarships to current and incoming students. Fill out the scholarship interest form to learn more about our opportunities!

Fill out a scholarship interest form

Foster College of Business

Foster Family Scholarship Global Scholars

The scholarship provides the college’s top student scholars financial support for a full and rich international business experience. Scholarship winners receive a $5,000 award available at the beginning of the spring semester of their sophomore years to offset the expenses of Bradley-sponsored international travel experiences. Scholars may choose to apply their award incrementally to support multiple trips or direct the full award to one substantial travel opportunity in their sophomore, junior or senior years. Additionally, scholars are afforded opportunities for faculty-student collaboration in research and independent study.

Eligible applicants include students majoring in any Foster College of Business program who also participate in the College’s Global Scholars Program. A selection committee chooses approximately five new Foster Family Scholars each year. In addition to proven academic aptitude, recipients will demonstrate, through essay or interview, an openness to different societies, ideas, and traditions; a keen desire to develop the skills to perform professionally in a global economy; and the passion for an enriched personal and professional life through broad experiences and exposure to a variety of cultures.

Submit the Foster Family Scholarship for International Scholars application using the form below beginning October 1.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by January 15.