How to apply to Computer Science at Bradley University: four concentrations, major courses from the first year, test-free admission, Early Action on November 1 and English requirements, 2026-27 tuition, and what students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools and transfer students need to know

Bradley University is a private university in Peoria, Illinois. Its Computer Science major is offered by the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems. This guide summarizes Bradley’s official information for students at high schools in China (including A-Level, IB and AP students), students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver), and transfer students.

1. The major and courses

• What you study: the program page describes a foundation in programming, systems, networking, databases and software engineering, small classes, coding competitions through the ACM student chapter, and internships at employers such as Walgreens, Caterpillar and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
• Four optional concentrations:
  • Artificial Intelligence: 12 semester hours, 9 required and 3 elective;
  • Computer Game Technology: game design, programming and production, with the option of adding an interactive media minor or double major;
  • Data Science: big-data analysis and applied AI and machine learning;
  • Software, Web, and Computer Security: network security, cryptography and security strategy.
• When major courses start: Bradley’s FAQ says students begin major-specific coursework in their first year.
• Experiential learning: every student completes an Experiential Learning requirement with at least two real-world applications of their major, and most majors require a capstone in the junior or senior year.
• Course list and credits: the program page links the full requirements to the catalog (catalog.bradley.edu), which we could not access, so total credits and required courses are not available on the pages we read. Check the catalog’s Computer Science major page or ask the department (cs@bradley.edu).
• Direct entry: the pages we read do not mention a separate entry requirement for CS or conditions for switching into it; confirm with admissions.

2. First-year application

• How to apply: Bradley’s own application or the Common App. The pages we read do not give the application fee.
• Materials: a high school transcript (official or unofficial) and a personal statement on any topic. International students also submit English proof or waiver qualification, and some may need national exam results.
• Testing: the FAQ says Bradley is test-free; ACT and SAT scores are not required or used for admission or merit scholarships.
• Deadlines:
  • Early Action November 1 (non-binding, full academic scholarship consideration);
  • Regular Notification February 1;
  • applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• International first-years who need a visa: apply early; the latest recommended deadline for first-year applicants securing a student visa for the first time is February 1, with later applications reviewed case by case. Students who need visa sponsorship cannot apply to direct-entry nursing or online programs.
• Housing: students must live on campus for two years.

3. English requirements

• TOEFL iBT 79 (tests before January 21, 2026) or 4.5 (tests on or after January 21, 2026).
• IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, Duolingo 115, PTE Academic 56.
• Cambridge English C2, C1 or B2 (minimum 176); Gateway English 475 overall with all sections at 405 or above.
• ACT English 19, or SAT 1000 combined.
• A-Level English: the page says “GCSE or ICSE minimum A in A Levels English”; confirm how this is applied with international admissions.
• IELTS Indicator, TOEFL Basics, unlisted exams and letters from counselors or teachers are not accepted.
• Waivers: graduating from an English-medium high school in an eligible country (with transcripts, or a school letter if the transcript does not state the language), or at least one year of full-time study at a U.S. secondary school within the last 4 years. The page does not list the eligible countries; ask intladmission@bradley.edu.

4. Students at high schools in China

• Gaokao: not published; ask international admissions.
• English: submit a score from the list above; ask whether China is an eligible waiver country.
• AP and IB: AP scores of 3 or above may earn credit, depending on the college work covered; IB scores of 4 or higher on most SL and HL exams may earn credit. See Bradley’s AP and IB guides.
• A-Level: credit rules are not on the pages we read; ask admissions.
• Timing: if you need a visa, apply by Early Action on November 1, and by February 1 at the latest.

5. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC)

• English: graduates of English-medium high schools may qualify for a waiver, but the eligible countries are not listed, so confirm whether Canada (and Quebec) qualifies.
• BC: grade requirements for BC courses are not published; ask admissions how grades are reviewed.
• Testing: Bradley does not use SAT/ACT.

6. Transfer students

• Who is a transfer: students who have completed 12 or more credit hours at an accredited college after high school, or who are seeking a second bachelor’s degree, in good standing at previous schools.
• Materials: all college transcripts; a high school transcript if you have fewer than 24 college credits; a Dean’s Letter of Good Standing; and, for international students, English proof and a personal statement, plus possibly secondary exam results and translations.
• International transfer deadlines (for those needing visa sponsorship without an active SEVIS record): April 1 for fall and August 1 for spring; only fall or spring entry. Students already in the U.S. with an active SEVIS record use the domestic dates: December 1 for spring and July 1 for fall.
• Credit transfer: up to 66 semester hours from two-year colleges and unlimited from four-year institutions; transfers from four-year schools complete at least 30 hours at Bradley; foreign credit is reviewed case by case. Credit is re-evaluated if you change majors.
• Transfer Scholarship: awarded automatically to new transfers with at least 24 transferable hours and a 2.7 GPA, USD 26,000–50,000 over two years.

7. Costs and scholarships

• 2026-27 full-time undergraduate (12–16 hours a semester): tuition USD 43,718, room and board USD 14,330 (double), university fees USD 1,010, for direct costs of USD 59,058. Books, transportation and personal expenses average about USD 4,092 more. Hours above 16 cost USD 1,005 each.
• Course surcharge: the tuition page lists USD 50 per semester hour for classes taught under the College of Engineering and Technology. The pages we read do not say whether CS courses carry it; confirm with Bradley.
• First-year academic scholarships: awarded at admission, USD 56,000–128,000 over four years, based on academic performance and leadership and service; four levels (University, Dean’s, Presidential, Board of Trustee’s), full-time enrollment and a renewal GPA required. The pages we read do not say whether international students are eligible; confirm with admissions.
• The Bradley Commitment (full tuition) requires Illinois residency, family AGI of USD 65,000 or less, and eligibility for Pell and Illinois MAP grants.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Prepare TOEFL 79 (4.5 on the new scale), IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 115
• Apply through Bradley’s application or the Common App by November 1, and by February 1 at the latest
• Prepare a personal statement and transcript; SAT/ACT are not used
• Ask whether Gaokao scores are used and whether international students receive academic scholarships

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• Ask intladmission@bradley.edu whether Canada qualifies for the English waiver
• Confirm how BC grades are reviewed

Transfer students:

• If you need a visa: apply by April 1 for fall or August 1 for spring
• Prepare transcripts, a Dean’s Letter of Good Standing and a personal statement; 24 hours and a 2.7 GPA bring an automatic transfer scholarship

Sources: Bradley University, Computer Science program; First-year admission, English proficiency and deadlines; College FAQ; 2026-27 tuition; Transfer admission; Scholarships and grants. Costs are 2026-27 rates; check Bradley’s website for the latest.