Butler University vs Bradley

Butler University and Bradley University, both esteemed private institutions in the Midwest, offer distinct educational experiences. Butler, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, boasts a smaller student body and a higher acceptance rate compared to Bradley, situated in Peoria, Illinois. While Butler excels in business and music programs, Bradley shines in engineering and health sciences. Both universities foster diverse student bodies, with Bradley having a slightly higher percentage of international students. When it comes to graduation rates, Butler holds a slight edge over Bradley. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting these key differences and more. Explore the table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Bradley University logo

Bradley University

Butler University logo

Butler University

Overview

Location Peoria, Illinois Indianapolis, Indiana
Campus setting City: Midsize City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 87.0% 87.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 75.9% 80.5%
Application fees $40
SAT range 1060 - 1280 1150 - 1340
ACT range 24 - 30 25 - 31
Students submitting SAT score 39.0% 39.0%
Students submitting ACT score 17.0% 35.0%
Total number of applicants 10,109 15,340
Total number of admissions given out 7,669 12,356
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,043 1,132
Yield rate 13.6% 9.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $51,428 $62,710
Average net price $25,312 $38,643
Tuition $35,940 $42,410
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,720

Meal plan: $4,908
Room/dormitory: $6,950

Meal plan: $7,430
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $24,174
98.0%
Average amount $24,418
Students receiving federal student loan 67.0%
Average amount $5,312
51.0%
Average amount $5,444
Students taking out private loans 10.0%
Average amount $15,561
11.0%
Average amount $21,756

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 4,331
Men 49.5% Women 50.5%
4,537
Men 40.0% Women 60.0%
Graduate students 1,257
Men 22.2% Women 77.8%
1,022
Men 33.6% Women 66.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students 16.1% 56.6%
International students 4.1% 1.5%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Large
Dormitory capacity 2,137 2,718
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Illinois Missouri Wisconsin Indiana Iowa Indiana Illinois Ohio Michigan Missouri

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Education
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Foreign Languages and Literatures
Students to faculty ratio 12:1 11:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 75.8% 83.8%
Dropout rate 23.8% 3.9%
Transferred out N/A 11.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Manufacturing Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,628
  • Year 2: $69,897
  • Year 3: $77,539
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,568
  • Year 2: $70,680
  • Year 3: $76,515
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,979
  • Year 2: $67,899
  • Year 3: $75,123
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,420
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $74,713
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,802
  • Year 2: $66,621
  • Year 3: $73,823
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,879
  • Year 2: $67,420
  • Year 3: $72,911
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,768
  • Year 2: $57,735
  • Year 3: $67,597
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,353
  • Year 2: $63,921
  • Year 3: $66,276
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,749
  • Year 2: $62,165
  • Year 3: $63,646
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,705
  • Year 2: $52,420
  • Year 3: $60,815
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $119,557
  • Year 3: $112,557
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $101,964
  • Year 3: $108,228
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $67,067
Insurance (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $59,885
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $49,019
  • Year 3: $58,602
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $43,426
  • Year 3: $58,451
International Business (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $49,058
  • Year 3: $55,058
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,331
  • Year 2: $42,123
  • Year 3: $50,819
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $36,183
  • Year 3: $49,676
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $40,052

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key differences in location between Butler University and Bradley University?

    Butler University is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, a major metropolitan city with a thriving arts and culture scene. Bradley University is situated in Peoria, Illinois, a smaller city with a more regional focus. Consider your preference for a large city versus a more close-knit community when making your decision.

  • How do the academic programs compare at Butler and Bradley?

    Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Butler is particularly strong in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as its programs in pharmacy and business. Bradley is well-regarded for its engineering, business, and communications programs. Research the specific programs you are interested in to see which university offers a better fit for your academic goals.

  • What is the student life like at Butler versus Bradley?

    Student life at Butler is often characterized by a strong sense of community and active involvement in campus activities, including Greek life and Division I athletics. Bradley also offers a vibrant campus life, with a focus on student organizations, intramural sports, and a variety of social events. The atmosphere at Butler tends to be slightly more focused on a traditional college experience, while Bradley offers a blend of traditional and more independent student experiences.

  • How do the tuition and costs compare between Butler and Bradley?

    Tuition and overall costs, including room and board, vary between the two universities. Generally, both are private institutions, so expect costs to be higher than public universities. It's essential to check the most current tuition rates and financial aid packages offered by each university to determine which is more affordable for your individual circumstances. Consider scholarships and grants offered by each institution.

  • What are the athletic programs like at Butler and Bradley?

    Butler University is a member of the NCAA Division I and competes in the Big East Conference, known for its basketball program. Bradley University also competes in NCAA Division I athletics, primarily in the Missouri Valley Conference. Both universities offer a variety of sports, providing opportunities for student athletes and enthusiastic fans. Butler's basketball program has a higher national profile in recent years.

  • What are the career services and opportunities like at each university?

    Both Butler and Bradley offer career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. They provide resources such as resume workshops, career fairs, and networking events. Consider the location of each university and the industries prevalent in those areas, as this can influence internship and job opportunities. Research the specific career services offered by each university to see which aligns best with your career aspirations.

  • How does the campus environment differ between Butler and Bradley?

    Butler University's campus is known for its beautiful, historic architecture and green spaces, creating a classic college feel. Bradley University's campus offers a blend of modern and traditional buildings, with a more compact layout. Consider which campus environment you prefer when making your decision. Both campuses are generally considered safe and welcoming.

  • What is the acceptance rate at Butler and Bradley?

    Both Butler and Bradley are selective institutions, but their acceptance rates may vary slightly. Check the most recent data from each university's admissions office to get the most accurate information. Consider your academic profile and the competitiveness of the applicant pool when assessing your chances of admission.

  • Are there opportunities for research at both universities?

    Yes, both Butler and Bradley offer research opportunities for undergraduate students. These opportunities may vary by department and program. Research the specific programs you are interested in to see what research opportunities are available and if they align with your interests.

  • How do the alumni networks compare?

    Both universities have active alumni networks that can provide valuable support for students and graduates. The strength and reach of the networks may vary depending on the specific program and industry. Research the alumni networks of the programs you are interested in to see which one offers a better fit for your career goals.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.
Bradley University Bradley vs University of New Haven University of New Haven
Bradley University Bradley vs The University of Tampa The University of Tampa
Bradley University Bradley vs Blessing Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences Blessing Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Bradley University Bradley vs Columbia College Chicago Columbia College Chicago
Bradley University Bradley vs DePaul University DePaul University
Bradley University Bradley vs Eastern Illinois University Eastern Illinois University
Bradley University Bradley vs Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Chicago
Bradley University Bradley vs Northern Illinois University Northern Illinois University
Bradley University Bradley vs Northwestern University Northwestern University
Bradley University Bradley vs Roosevelt University Roosevelt University
Bradley University Bradley vs Saint Xavier University Saint Xavier University
Bradley University Bradley vs Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Bradley University Bradley vs Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Bradley University Bradley vs Western Illinois University Western Illinois University
Bradley University Bradley vs University of Evansville University of Evansville
Bradley University Bradley vs University of Indianapolis University of Indianapolis
Bradley University Bradley vs Marian University Marian University
Bradley University Bradley vs University of Northern Iowa University of Northern Iowa
Bradley University Bradley vs Calvin University Calvin University
Bradley University Bradley vs Hamline University Hamline University
Bradley University Bradley vs Truman State University Truman State University
Bradley University Bradley vs University of Dayton University of Dayton
Bradley University Bradley vs John Carroll University John Carroll University
Bradley University Bradley vs Ohio Northern University Ohio Northern University
Bradley University Bradley vs Otterbein University Otterbein University
Bradley University Bradley vs Carroll University Carroll University
Bradley University Bradley vs University of Wisconsin-Whitewater University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Bradley University Bradley vs University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Bradley University Bradley vs University of Wisconsin-Stout University of Wisconsin-Stout
Bradley University Bradley vs University of Wisconsin-Platteville University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Bradley University Bradley vs University of Wisconsin-River Falls University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Bradley University Bradley vs University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Butler University Butler University vs Samford University Samford University
Butler University Butler University vs University of Redlands University of Redlands
Butler University Butler University vs Quinnipiac University Quinnipiac University
Butler University Butler University vs Sacred Heart University Sacred Heart University
Butler University Butler University vs Stetson University Stetson University
Butler University Butler University vs The University of Tampa The University of Tampa
Butler University Butler University vs Mercer University Mercer University
Butler University Butler University vs Bradley University Bradley University
Butler University Butler University vs Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Chicago
Butler University Butler University vs North Central College North Central College
Butler University Butler University vs Lawrence Technological University Lawrence Technological University
Butler University Butler University vs Hamline University Hamline University
Butler University Butler University vs Rockhurst University Rockhurst University
Butler University Butler University vs Monmouth University Monmouth University
Butler University Butler University vs Saint Peter's University Saint Peter's University
Butler University Butler University vs Le Moyne College Le Moyne College
Butler University Butler University vs Manhattan College Manhattan College
Butler University Butler University vs Niagara University Niagara University
Butler University Butler University vs Siena College Siena College
Butler University Butler University vs Saint John Fisher College Saint John Fisher College
Butler University Butler University vs High Point University High Point University
Butler University Butler University vs Otterbein University Otterbein University
Butler University Butler University vs Tiffin University Tiffin University
Butler University Butler University vs Duquesne University Duquesne University
Butler University Butler University vs Robert Morris University Robert Morris University
Butler University Butler University vs Villanova University Villanova University
Butler University Butler University vs Belmont University Belmont University
Butler University Butler University vs Longwood University Longwood University
Butler University Butler University vs Marquette University Marquette University
Butler University Butler University vs Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Gulf Coast University