Students at Bushnell University benefit from an affordable private college experience that prioritizes access and personal attention over maximum earnings potential.
The university serves a diverse student body in a supportive environment where close faculty relationships and individualized mentorship help students navigate their academic journey successfully.
Bushnell University is a small private nonprofit institution in Eugene, Oregon, serving about 34% Pell Grant recipients and 35% first-generation college students. The university provides a close-knit educational environment typical of smaller private colleges, with graduation rates around 62% within six years. While Bushnell's long-term earnings outcomes place it in the middle range nationally, with graduates earning a median of $53,623 ten years after enrollment, the institution's strength lies in its accessibility and personal approach to education.
The university falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, reflecting both its commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds and the financial challenges that can accompany smaller private institutions. Net prices are relatively affordable for a private college, particularly for low-income students who pay around $18,377 annually. However, graduates typically earn somewhat less than what statistical models would predict based on student characteristics, which affects the overall return on investment calculation.
For students who thrive in smaller academic settings and value the mentorship opportunities that come with close faculty-student ratios, Bushnell offers a supportive pathway through college. The Eugene location provides access to a vibrant college town environment while maintaining the intimate scale that defines the Bushnell experience.
Without detailed program-level data available, Bushnell University's academic offerings likely reflect the broad liberal arts focus typical of smaller private institutions. The university's approach emphasizes well-rounded education and critical thinking skills rather than specialized pre-professional training, which explains both the modest earnings outcomes and the strong foundation graduates receive for lifelong learning and career adaptability.
The absence of specific high-earning program concentrations suggests that Bushnell's value proposition centers on the overall educational experience rather than particular fields of study. This approach serves students well who are exploring their interests, seeking intellectual growth, or preparing for careers that value broad-based knowledge and communication skills. While this may not produce the immediate high earnings seen in more technically focused programs, it provides graduates with the flexibility and analytical skills that support diverse career paths.
For prospective students, this means that choosing Bushnell is less about selecting a specific high-return major and more about embracing a comprehensive educational experience. The university's strength lies in developing well-rounded graduates who can adapt to changing career landscapes, even if the immediate financial returns are more modest than those seen at larger research universities or specialized technical institutions.
Graduates of Bushnell University earn a median of $53,623 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the national average for long-term earnings outcomes. Early career earnings start at about $43,484 six years out, showing steady but modest growth over time. About 120 graduates earn more than $75,000 annually, indicating that while strong outcomes are achievable, they represent a smaller share of the overall graduate population compared to larger research universities.
The university's earnings outcomes tend to run somewhat below what statistical models would predict given the characteristics of incoming students, which affects the overall return calculation. This pattern is common among smaller private institutions where the focus on liberal arts education and personal development may not always translate directly into the highest immediate earning potential. However, the value of a Bushnell education extends beyond purely financial metrics, encompassing the personal growth and critical thinking skills that develop through close mentorship and small class environments.
Without detailed program-level data available, the earnings outcomes likely reflect the broad liberal arts focus typical of smaller private colleges. Students considering Bushnell should weigh the long-term value of the educational experience and personal development opportunities against purely financial return metrics, recognizing that the institution's strength lies in areas that may not be fully captured by earnings data alone.
Bushnell University offers relatively affordable net prices for a private nonprofit institution, particularly for students from lower-income families. Low-income students pay approximately $18,377 per year, while middle-income families see costs around $19,732 annually. Even high-income families pay $27,182, which remains competitive compared to many private colleges nationwide. This pricing structure reflects the university's commitment to accessibility and its understanding that many students come from families where college affordability is a primary concern.
The debt picture shows typical borrowing levels for a private institution of this size. Students who borrow graduate with about $23,500 in federal student loan debt, while families who use Parent PLUS loans take on an average of $15,325. These amounts are manageable relative to many private colleges, though they do represent a meaningful financial commitment for families. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates are generally able to meet their repayment obligations despite the modest earnings outcomes.
What makes Bushnell's affordability story compelling is how the institution balances access with financial sustainability. The relatively modest net prices, combined with reasonable debt levels, create a pathway for students who want a private college experience without taking on the debt burdens often associated with higher-priced private institutions. This approach aligns with the university's mission of serving a diverse student body while maintaining financial accessibility.
Bushnell University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
