Bushnell University
Bushnell University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Bushnell University at a Glance
Bushnell University is a private Christian university in Eugene, Oregon, United States. It is historically affiliated with the Christian churches and churches of Christ.
1895
131 years old
576
Identity
Is Bushnell University Worth It?
At a value score of 38/100, Bushnell University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $53,623 — 0% above average — while paying $20,789/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 59% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Bushnell University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Bushnell University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #9 of 74 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #2 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #3 | Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health | 47 | $21,863 | $65,071 |
| #4 | Wesleyan College | 43 | $12,724 | $44,317 |
| #5 | Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology | 43 | $15,488 | $57,556 |
| #6 | Louisiana Christian University | 42 | $13,113 | $51,700 |
| #9 | Bushnell University | 38 | $20,789 | $53,623 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Bushnell University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in OR.
Best Programs at Bushnell University
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Bushnell University. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,789/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in OR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Eugene, OR
- Student Body
- 517 students
- Admission Rate
- 67%
- Graduation Rate
- 59%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,789
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,623
- Median Student Debt
- $23,500