Analysis
Bradley's mechanical engineering program sits comfortably in the middle tier among Illinois schools—ranking at the 60th percentile statewide—while keeping debt remarkably low at just $27,000. That debt figure places the program in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of mechanical engineering programs saddle graduates with more debt. The first-year median of $71,746 exceeds both the national and Illinois medians, and the trajectory looks healthy with earnings climbing 14% to nearly $82,000 by year four.
The real strength here is the financial equation: with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38, graduates owe roughly five months' salary. Compare this to UIUC's stronger earnings ($80,187) but likely higher debt burden at a flagship institution. Bradley offers a solid middle path—you're not getting Northwestern outcomes, but you're also not taking on Northwestern-level financial risk. The 77% admission rate makes this accessible for strong but not elite students.
For families seeking a traditional engineering education without excessive debt, Bradley delivers a straightforward value proposition. Your child will start their career earning above-average wages while managing very manageable loan payments, leaving more flexibility for buying a home or pursuing graduate education down the line.
Where Bradley University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Bradley University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bradley University | $71,746 | $81,887 | +14% |
| Northwestern University | $75,253 | $92,129 | +22% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $80,187 | $87,705 | +9% |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | $65,386 | $81,421 | +25% |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | $69,454 | $80,996 | +17% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Bradley UniversityPeoria | $39,680 | $71,746 | $81,887 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $80,187 | $87,705 | $20,500 | 0.26 |
 Northwestern UniversityEvanston | $65,997 | $75,253 | $92,129 | $15,334 | 0.20 |
 University of Illinois ChicagoChicago | $14,338 | $69,871 | $77,381 | $21,500 | 0.31 |
 Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale | $13,244 | $69,454 | $80,996 | $24,250 | 0.35 |
 Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb | $12,700 | $68,069 | $78,194 | $25,000 | 0.37 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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 96 graduates with reported earnings and 96 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.