Bradley University vs Illinois Wesleyan University: which has better ROI?
Bradley University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $90,876 in 4.9 years versus 5 years at Illinois Wesleyan University, on median earnings of $66,852 vs $70,871 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Bradley University | Illinois Wesleyan University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,719 | $28,199 |
| Total net cost | $90,876 | $112,796 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $66,852 | $70,871 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 4.9 yrs | 5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $278,964 | $337,424 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Bradley University or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Bradley University, at $22,719 a year after aid versus $28,199 — a gap of $5,480 a year, or $21,920 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Bradley University or Illinois Wesleyan University graduates earn more?
Illinois Wesleyan University graduates report a median $70,871 ten years after entry, $4,019 more than the $66,852 at Bradley University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Bradley University or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Completers at both borrow a median $27,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
76% of students finish at Bradley University, against 75% at Illinois Wesleyan University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.