Bradley Named Best for Vets 2026 College
Military Times ranked Bradley University No. 13 in Illinois on its 2026 Best for Vets: Colleges list.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Military Jobs
Military Times named Bradley University to its 2026 Best for Vets: Colleges list, ranking it No. 13 in Illinois, No. 55 in the Midwest, and No. 76 among private nonprofit institutions. The list includes 370 colleges and universities nationwide.
Why it matters
The recognition reflects Bradley's longstanding commitment to helping veterans succeed inside and outside the classroom. The university hopes it will encourage more veterans and active-duty service members in Peoria and across the region to consider the school.
Bradley ranked No. 13 in Illinois, No. 55 in the Midwest, and No. 76 among private nonprofit institutions on a list of 370 colleges and universities nationwide. The extraction does not detail the scoring methodology behind these positions.
The players
Bradley University
A private university in Peoria, Illinois, that offers veteran-focused education benefits assistance, financial aid counseling, and Army ROTC.
Military Times
A news organization that publishes rankings and coverage related to military service members, veterans, and their families.
The details
Bradley offers assistance with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense education benefits, financial aid counseling for military-connected students, and dedicated study spaces for veterans. The university also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offers Army ROTC, and takes part in the Army's Green-to-Gold Program.
Timeline
2026: Bradley named to Military Times' Best for Vets: Colleges list
Market Landscape
Bradley's participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program places it among private institutions that use federal matching funds to lower tuition for veterans. The Best for Vets ranking positions Bradley within a competitive field of 370 colleges competing for military-connected students.
Veterans and active-duty service members weighing college options can use the list's rankings and Bradley's listed benefit services when comparing schools. Military-connected students at Bradley have access to financial aid counseling and dedicated study spaces.
The takeaway
Veterans comparing colleges can weigh rankings alongside specific benefit services, such as Yellow Ribbon participation and financial aid counseling, that affect actual out-of-pocket costs. Checking a school's veteran office directly is a practical next step before enrolling.
Further reading
For more on veteran career pathways in the region, explore Military Jobs coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 25newsnow.
