Bradley University
Bradley University was founded in 1897 by Lydia Moss Bradley in memory of her six children and husband. Even before her husband’s death, the couple was already intent in establishing an orphanage as a memorial to their deceased children. As fate would have it however, Mrs. Bradley decided to open a school instead that would provide practical learning to young people to help them survive in the modern world. Bradley Polytechnic Institute was chartered in 1896 with Mrs. Bradley providing 17 ½ acres of land and the funds needed for buildings, equipments and a library. Also provided was $ 30,000.00 per year for operating expenses. It was originally a four-year academy and a two-year college. The offering of a four-year college program began in 1920. It adapted its present name in 1946 when the Graduate School was established.
At present, Bradley University is a private, independent institution that offers undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs in the liberal arts and fine arts, the sciences, business administration, communication, education, engineering and the health sciences. Short-term intensive academic programs abroad are likewise offered to students interested in international study. Distance Learning options are provided by courses delivered on video tape and compressed video.
Full-time students are charged $ 11,975.00 per semester for 12 to 16 credit hours. Students enrolled in 1 to 7 hours are charged $ 650.00 per credit hour while those enrolled in 7 ½ to 11 ½ are charged $ 780.00 per credit hour. A tuition surcharge of $ 5 per credit hour is assessed on all courses offered by the College of Engineering and Technology. Senior citizens pay the rate of $ 25.00 per credit hour subject to availability of classroom space. Room and board rate for a single room is $ 4,625.00 per semester.
Total present enrollment is about 6,000 including undergraduate and graduate students. Bradley’s full-time faculty is more than 300 while the average class size is 23. Bradley University is located at 1501 West Bradley Avenue, Peoria, Illinois.
For more information about admissions, financial aid or online learning opportunities such as distance education degree programs and online classes, please contact Bradley University.
