Bradley University: where boundary breakers and new thinkers thrive. Founded in 1897 by visionary Lydia Moss Bradley, who brushed off convention to create a school the world needed. Today, Bradley University continues to evolve and embrace progress, leading through innovation and excellence.Bradley offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate academic programs in business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology. Distinctive programs include entrepreneurship, game design, hospitality leadership, internal auditing, music and entertainment industry studies, sports communication and physical therapy.Bradley's 85-acre residential campus is located in a historic neighborhood just one mile from downtown Peoria, Ill. — the largest metropolitan area in downstate Illinois — and is three hours from Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis.