Design and Applied Arts at Bradley University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Bradley University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Bradley University graduates earn $23k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all design and applied arts bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (28 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bradley University | $22,893 | $48,152 | — | — |
| Illinois State University | $39,287 | — | $24,986 | 0.64 |
| Judson University | $37,466 | — | — | — |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $34,670 | $54,712 | $18,839 | 0.54 |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $34,377 | $42,578 | $25,750 | 0.75 |
| Rasmussen University-Illinois | $32,482 | — | $35,438 | 1.09 |
| National Median | $33,563 | — | $26,880 | 0.80 |
Other Design and Applied Arts Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois State University Normal | $16,021 | $39,287 | $24,986 |
| Judson University Elgin | $30,910 | $37,466 | — |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign | $16,004 | $34,670 | $18,839 |
| University of Illinois Chicago Chicago | $14,338 | $34,377 | $25,750 |
| Rasmussen University-Illinois Rockford | $13,546 | $32,482 | $35,438 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bradley University, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.