Bushnell University
Eugene, Oregon · Private Nonprofit · 67.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 47/100 · Below Average Value
Bushnell University scores 47 (Below Average Value) on the CampusROI scale. The institution is an evangelical Christian university in Eugene, Oregon with 517 enrolled students and a net price of $20,789. The sub-score profile reveals a concentrated problem: the repayment rate sub-score of 31 indicates that only 66.7% of borrowers are reducing principal at three years -- meaning 1 in 3 borrowers is not making progress on debt. Combined with a 56.0% completion rate and a 12.0-year payback period, the overall institutional profile is weak. However, Registered Nursing is a dramatic outlier: 19 graduates, $102,985 year-one, $131,400 four-year, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.279 (ROI grade B+). Oregon's RN shortage and Eugene-area healthcare compensation premiums drive these figures. The nursing program is one of the strongest in the lower-ROI tier of this batch. Outside nursing, the program data is thin: 18 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies graduates (B grade, no year-one earnings), 10 Business Administration graduates (C+ grade), and 8 Teacher Education graduates (no debt data). Bushnell's median 6-year earnings of $37,300 is dragged down by its small, diverse student body in lower-earning fields. The ACT range of 18-20 (unusually low) suggests Bushnell admits students across a very wide preparation spectrum.
Bushnell University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $35,800/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $35,800/yr |
| Average net price | $20,789/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $83,156 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,623 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $37,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $249 |
| Estimated payback period | 12 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 56.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 517 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Bushnell University is $35,800/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $20,789/year, or roughly $83,156 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $17,924/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $23,361/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $249 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $53,623 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.63 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,924 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,033 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,656 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,084 |
| $110,001+ | $23,361 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Students in the 0-30000 income bracket pay $17,924 net price per year at Bushnell -- approximately $71,696 over four years. The 30001-48000 bracket pays $21,033 -- higher than the lowest bracket, which is an unusual pattern. The 0-30000 price of $17,924 is competitive for the Pacific Northwest private college market. At this price, nursing graduates achieve strong ROI; other program students face a 12-year payback period.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $12,656 per year -- the lowest price in the entire table, an anomaly that likely reflects specific merit or need-based aid programs available to students in this bracket. The 75001-110000 bracket rises sharply to $22,084. The $12,656 price for mid-income families is genuinely compelling if accurate, and may reflect aid leverage for academically stronger students in this income range.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
The 110001-plus bracket pays $23,361 per year -- approximately $93,444 over four years. At this price, Bushnell's nursing program still justifies the investment; all other programs face challenges justifying the cost against regional public university alternatives like University of Oregon or Oregon State at in-state rates.
Earnings by Major
Top 4 most popular majors at Bushnell University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $131,400 | B+ |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $57,601 | B |
| Business Administration and Management | $71,050 | C+ |
| Teacher Education | $46,716 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing is the defining reason to consider Bushnell: 19 graduates, $102,985 year-one -- crossing the $100,000 threshold in first-year earnings -- $131,400 four-year, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.279 (ROI grade B+). Median debt of $28,704 is well-managed against $103k year-one earnings. Oregon's healthcare sector, anchored by PeaceHealth and McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center in the Eugene area, provides strong local demand. The small cohort (19 graduates) means nursing at Bushnell offers intensive faculty-student ratios and clinical placement in a regional market with premium RN salaries.
Business Administration and Management
Business Administration has 10 graduates with $49,887 year-one and $71,050 four-year, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.541 (ROI grade C+). The C+ grade is acceptable at Bushnell's net price of $20,789 -- a four-year cost of approximately $83,156 against $71,050 four-year earnings is manageable. Eugene's business market is smaller than Portland, limiting upward salary pressure. Students targeting Oregon-specific business careers who value the faith community environment may find a workable path.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 63.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 66.7% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 65.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 74.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 67.3% |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 18-20 |
| Enrollment | 517 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 32.7% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $6,083 |
At 67.3%, Bushnell is accessible but not open-enrollment. The ACT 75th percentile of 20 is very low by four-year college standards, suggesting the institution does not screen aggressively for academic preparation. Students whose primary selection criteria is faith community and regional proximity to Eugene should understand that Bushnell's academic environment may be significantly less rigorous than state university alternatives. Nursing applicants face specific program prerequisites that provide a more meaningful admission screen than the institutional admit rate alone.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Bushnell's Scorecard peers include New Hope Christian College-Eugene, George Fox University, Pillar College, Briar Cliff University, and Maranatha Baptist University -- all small evangelical privates. George Fox University (Newberg, OR) is the closest meaningful comparison in size and mission for Oregon faith-based college students. ROI scores for these specific peers are not available in current files. Bushnell (ROI 47) likely occupies a middle position in this peer group, with George Fox scoring higher given its larger program breadth and stronger institutional recognition.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bushnell University (this school) | 47 | $20,789 | $53,623 |
| George Fox University | 57 | $31,679 | $59,761 |
| Maranatha Baptist University | 47 | $26,005 | $45,593 |
| Pillar College | 47 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| Briar Cliff University | 46 | $23,907 | $54,475 |
| New Hope Christian College-Eugene | 22 | $21,600 | $31,115 |
Who Thrives Here
Bushnell University admits 67.3% of applicants and enrolls 517 students in Eugene, Oregon. SAT score ranges are not reported; ACT Composite ranges 18-20 -- a notably low range indicating the institution admits students across a broad preparation spectrum. The Pell grant rate of 32.7% indicates moderate lower-income enrollment. Bushnell was formerly Northwest Christian University and reflects a Church of Christ/independent evangelical tradition. Students drawn to faith-based formation in an Oregon context, or committed to nursing in a small cohort environment, are the clearest fit. The ACT range and repayment rate signal that many students arrive underprepared and face genuine completion challenges.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Bushnell University is mixed. At $20,789 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $53,623 ten years after entry - a payback period of 12 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $23,500 against $53,623 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.