•AVERAGE: 69
Bradley University was founded in 1897 as Bradley Polytechnic Institute by a widow in honor of her late husband and children. Situated on 84 acres in the western bluff of Peoria, IL, Bradley is a private 4-year university that has seen many a successful athlete, businessman and government official receive degrees. Notable in the list of alumni is consumer advocate David Horowitz. Peoria is an old city, first established as a flour mill center. Over the years, it has grown and transitioned into the manufacturing hub with Caterpillar calling Peoria home. There are also several distilleries as well as sizable ethanol producer (this is the heart of corn country!). Bradley University’s urban environment provides a busy and exciting backdrop to student life and experience.