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Bradley University vs Saint Xavier University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Peoria IL · vs · Private nonprofit, Chicago IL

The verdict

Saint Xavier University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $43,880 in 4.3 years versus 4.9 years at Bradley University, on median earnings of $58,656 vs $66,852 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBradley UniversitySaint Xavier University
Net price / yr$22,719$10,970
Total net cost$90,876$43,880
Median earnings, 10 yrs$66,852$58,656
Median debt$27,000$22,223
Payback4.9 yrs4.3 yrs
20-year net return$278,964$162,040

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Bradley University or Saint Xavier University?

Saint Xavier University, at $10,970 a year after aid versus $22,719 — a gap of $11,749 a year, or $46,996 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 Saint Xavier University graduates earn more?

Bradley University graduates report a median $66,852 ten years after entry, $8,196 more than the $58,656 at Saint Xavier 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 Saint Xavier University?

Saint Xavier University: its completers carry a median $22,223 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Bradley University, a difference of $4,777. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

76% of students finish at Bradley University, against 57% at Saint Xavier 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.

Bradley University vs Saint Xavier University: frequently asked questions

Is Bradley University or Saint Xavier University a better value?
Saint Xavier University. It clears its $43,880 net cost in about 4.3 years versus 4.9 years at Bradley University, on median earnings of $58,656 vs $66,852 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Bradley University or Saint Xavier University?
Saint Xavier University: $10,970/yr net price after aid versus $22,719/yr at Bradley University — a difference of $11,749 a year, or about $46,996 over four years.
Do Bradley University or Saint Xavier University graduates earn more?
Bradley University graduates earn a median $66,852 ten years after entry, versus $58,656 at Saint Xavier University — a $8,196 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.