Bradley University (BU )

Bradley University’s core curriculum “is always promoting ways to help yourself and get out there.” Curious, critical thinkers are encouraged through the completion of at least two experiential learning opportunities, including service learning, study abroad, or capstone experiences; in particular, “the amount of internship opportunities that the campus has access to is extremely helpful for students who need real-world experiences in their field.” Students say the “small class sizes and individualized experiences” are “what the school majorly excels at,” along with things like affordability. Students also highlight the “resources to improve grades or help when you are struggling,” as well as “vast opportunities for growth in students’ personal and professional development.” These doors open in part thanks to the “talented professors who do a good job of explaining the course material and instilling their passion.” As one enrollee explains, “One of my professors incorporates class discussions, documentaries, guest speakers, and field trips into each of her classes.” Another concludes: “The university promises and delivers practical experiences and education that go beyond normal academics to teach worthwhile lessons.”

Bradley students are “highly motivated and artistically inclined,” and while they “care about academics and preparing themselves for the future,…they don’t let that get in the way of having a fun and fulfilling college experience.” This student body is “very diverse while still being tight-knit,” and there is a large “mix of personalities and passions, which means lots of unique clubs.” The university is “great at creating a welcoming environment for new and old students alike,” and those students are “very friendly and open, which makes it a good environment to learn and connect with others.” Everyone is “very supportive and very encouraging,” and are usually “engaged in discussions and very social with each other.” Many agree that the people are as foundational as the academics: “Everyone really does do their best to help each other out…the student body really [makes] being at Bradley truly worth it.”

Bradley students tend to be “involved in the school, whether being in Greek life, attending sporting events, [or] going to school events.” Many students “are involved in one club or class that engages a form of visual or performing art,” and “there are almost always musical performances, art galleries, and exhibitions showcasing student work.” In fact, students say there “are pretty much always events happening,” not to mention meetings and practices for more than 200 student organizations. To top it off, all of the clubs and extracurriculars “are also really flexible which allows students to not only participate in a wide variety of activities but also hold many different leadership positions or paid job opportunities.” Everything is “either within…walking distance or within a 5–10 minute drive” of the Peoria, Illinois, campus, and when the weather is nice, “students will spend time on the quads, reading while sitting in chairs, climbing trees, playing soccer or football, or playing lawn games.” Many people make use of the gym, and “there’ll usually be people playing sports on the basketball court in there.” One student says of their simple but satisfying formula, “Life is excellent. My days are full, with activities, classes, and hanging out with friends.”

The school’s Smith Career Center provides assistance to students in many ways, including the recent addition of Testing Services to provide skill assessments and evaluations for employers, students, and alumni. Of course, students are also privy to numerous job fairs, individual career advisement, career peer advisors, and on-campus job interviews. The Career Center also houses the centralized Springer Center for Internships, which administers Bradley’s internship and co-op programs. In addition, the Springer Center can help connect students with unpaid summer internships to funding sources. The school “really [pushes] for all students to get internships to help them get their foot into the door of their career.” All of this focused assistance has a noticeable effect, with 91% of graduates either continuing their education or moving directly into jobs with a median starting salary of $65,200. And 47 percent of graduates say that they derive a high level of meaning from their jobs, according to PayScale.com. One grateful undergrad sums it up, saying, “The Career Center has got you covered.” And if that’s not enough, professors are described as “willing to help their students find opportunities in the community and to give them one-on-one attention.”