Bradley Commitment Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bradley Commitment?
The Bradley Commitment is a financial aid package that provides scholarships and grants to cover tuition for students who are Illinois residents and have a family annual gross income (AGI) of $65,000 or less. Bradley Commitment will cover tuition for new freshmen for up to four (4) years of continuous enrollment, as long as students meet the eligibility requirements each semester.
What does household Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) mean?
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is a combination of the parent’s and student’s income as reported on the IRS Form 1040.
How do I apply for this program?
Students must complete an admissions application, be admitted to Bradley University and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Be sure to include Bradley’s Federal School Code (001641) on your FAFSA.
What costs does the program cover?
Through Bradley Commitment, eligible students will receive a financial aid package that provides scholarship and grant funding to cover the full cost of tuition. Bradley University will cover the cost of tuition not covered by other federal, state, institutional and private awards including Federal Pell Grant, State of Illinois MAP Program (MAP), and other awards.
What does Bradley Commitment not cover?
Bradley Commitment does not cover the additional costs associated with required fees (health fee, activity fee, tech fee) food and housing, course fees, summer classes, January interim, concurrent enrollment, study abroad, co-op, internship or other student expenses.
Does Bradley Commitment cover course fees?
It does not.
How can I determine whether I qualify?
Recipients whose family’s AGI is $65,000 or less qualify. FAFSA instructions and federal regulations will be followed when determining whose information should be included on the FAFSA. We may ask for more information as needed to determine family qualification.
Do I need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? If so, when?
Yes, to determine Bradley Commitment eligibility, students are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on an annual basis. Students are encouraged to file the FAFSA as soon as possible after it becomes available to be fully considered for Bradley Commitment and all other financial aid program opportunities.
Does the program cover my entire time at Bradley?
New freshmen will receive up to eight (8) continuous semesters of eligibility.
How does the program affect my other financial aid?
Students receiving the Bradley Commitment will be considered for additional financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans and employment) to cover other educational expenses such as food and housing, books and supplies, and personal/miscellaneous expenses.
Can I receive outside scholarships in addition to the Bradley Commitment?
Outside scholarships can be used for additional expenses such as food and housing, books and supplies, and personal/miscellaneous expenses if allowed by the issuing organization. If the total amount of grants/scholarships awarded exceed a student’s calculated financial need, a reduction may be necessary. Total aid awarded cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
What if my family income was initially $65,000 or less but is expected to be higher next year?
Students will continue to receive the Bradley Commitment in future years provided they maintain MAP and PELL Grant eligibility. A student who becomes ineligible for Bradley Commitment will be automatically considered for other aid.
What if my family AGI isn’t currently $65,000 or less but is expected to drop next year?
Only new students will be considered for Bradley Commitment, based on family income at the time the student starts as a new first-year student. Decreases in family income may result in eligibility for other financial aid program funding.
Can funding for the program be used for the summer or January interim?
Bradley Commitment funding is only available for fall and spring semesters.
Are currently enrolled students eligible?
Bradley Commitment is currently only offered to new first year students beginning fall 2025.
Are students admitted for the spring term eligible?
Yes, beginning spring 2026 provided they are a new Bradley undergraduate student and meet the eligibility requirements.
Are students working on a second bachelor’s degree eligible?
This program is only for students seeking their first bachelor’s degree.
Are graduate students eligible?
The Bradley Commitment is only for new undergraduate students earning their first bachelor’s degree.
What can I do if I don’t qualify?
Students who don’t meet the Bradley Commitment eligibility criteria will continue to be considered for other financial assistance.
Does Bradley Commitment cover the additional costs of special programs such as study abroad?
No, Bradley Commitment only covers tuition.
Do I need to enroll full-time to be eligible for Bradley Commitment?
Yes, students must be enrolled in-person full time (at least 12 hours) to be eligible for Bradley Commitment.
Who should I contact with questions?
To learn more about the Bradley Commitment and how you may qualify, please contact an Admission Counselor.