Bradley University (BU - but not preferred)

Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois offers students "personal attention and unique opportunities you don't get at big schools," and "everything feels personalized." Students say, "the Engineering program at the university is phenomenal," and boasts "a fabulous new building." Most agree that "the nursing, engineering, and business departments seem to be the crown jewels of the school," also citing that "the communication department and English department are excellent." In class, students can expect to be engaged and challenged no matter your course of study. "Much of my coursework involves discussions and projects to push you outside of your comfort zone," one student explains, but "workload is entirely dependent on the classes you take," and can vary by subject. "The number of credit hours you're taking doesn't necessarily correlate to workload."

Here, "the faculty really care about each student," but still hold them to the "high degree of standard and excellence that is expected of students at Bradley." But undergrads are not alone while working to rise to the challenge, as "the professors strive to help their students meet and exceed those standards." Enrollees largely agree that most professors "are subject matter experts in their field," and "most are willing to work with students inside and outside of the classroom to help them through." When it comes to research opportunities, "students get to work directly with the professors to find academically relevant findings together." Bradley also offers "many services for internship help, career advice, academic tutoring services," as well as a career center that "provide[s] a strong relationship with advisors."

Located in central Illinois, "most of the students here come from central Illinois, Chicago or St. Louis." At Bradley University, "nearly all on-campus, full-time students are within the same age range, but there are some older online graduate students." In terms of demographics, many say "the student population is primarily white and middle/upper-middle class," but even though "there is not a ton of diversity...there is enough of it that people won't feel alone," one student admits.In discussing their classmates, many have overwhelmingly positive things to say. "Most all Bradley students I have met over the years are friendly, caring, motivated, and enjoy being at Bradley," another student attests. "Our student body is passionate, excited to learn, and paving the way to a new and accepting generation." Students describe their peers as "inquisitive and thought-provoking," and many are "very career-minded." Being a smaller school, "it's possible to know most people in your major and year," and as a result, "people seem extremely comfortable around each other."

Bradley students spend much of their time socializing on campus, in and out of doors. "There is almost always a large group of people in the non-dining hall eating areas, such as the student center." In nice weather, students "sit outside on the quad chairs and just hang out," or stroll on one of the "long connecting paths that make leisure walking accessible." The library is a popular place to "stay up late studying, complete group work, and socialize." The Markin Recreation Center also has "anything and everything you could want/need," including "the gym, basketball courts, rock climbing, dance rooms, and the pool." The student activities council, ACBU, keeps students busy with "some really great events all through the year," and "Late Night BU" is "a non-alcohol influence activity that happens at least every month." Students are also involved in a myriad of extracurriculars, such as music organizations, the literary journal, and professional Greek organizations. Greek life and "Wags for Mags, an organization that trains service dogs" are also popular. With so many options, the majority feel "it is very easy to get involved on campus."