Bushnell University: 66.9% Acceptance Rate

66.9%Acceptance

$34,740Tuition

533Students

62%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$53,623Earnings

#12 in OregonPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

About Bushnell University

Bushnell University builds its reputation on faith-based education and practical career preparation. The 533-student campus focuses heavily on business, education, and theology programs that connect Christian values with professional training. Eugene provides a mid-sized city environment that balances urban opportunities with Pacific Northwest outdoor culture.

Students pay an average net price of $23,520 after financial aid, though this varies by family income. Graduates earn a median of $53,623 ten years after finishing school, creating a reasonable return on the $23,500 in typical debt. The monthly loan payment of $249 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. About 59% of students take federal loans to finance their education.

The Beacons compete in 18 varsity sports through the NJCAA, with 271 total athletes receiving $1.4 million in athletic scholarships. This creates a campus where nearly half the student body participates in competitive athletics. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in classes. However, the 61.8% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their degrees. The 71.4% retention rate indicates that while most students return for sophomore year, persistence through graduation remains a challenge.

Academics & Faculty

Bushnell University centers its academics around Christian faith and practical career preparation. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classrooms where professors know students by name. Business, education, and theology programs draw the most students to this Disciples of Christ institution. The small enrollment of 533 means limited course offerings but personalized attention from faculty. Students graduate at a 62% rate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing faith-based learning with rigorous academics. The university emphasizes service learning and ministry preparation alongside traditional liberal arts subjects. Class discussions often weave together biblical principles with contemporary issues. Most students appreciate the tight-knit academic community despite fewer research opportunities than larger universities offer.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 57.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 61.8%
Retention Rate: 71.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $53,623
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

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Campus Life

Eugene provides a college town atmosphere just two hours from Portland, with the Cascade Mountains and Pacific Coast both within driving distance. About 67% of Bushnell's 533 students can live in campus housing, creating a tight-knit residential community. You'll need a rain jacket more than a heavy winter coat, as Eugene averages 46 inches of rain annually with mild winters rarely dropping below freezing.

The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. With 271 student-athletes competing across 18 varsity sports, Beacons games draw campus crowds throughout the year. The Christian foundation shapes campus life through weekly chapel services and faith-based programming, though students from diverse backgrounds make up the community. Weekend activities center around outdoor recreation, with hiking trails, rivers, and ski slopes nearby. The University of Oregon's larger campus sits across town, expanding social and cultural opportunities. With 71% of students returning each year, most find their place in this small Christian university environment.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 359 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1895

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	1	0	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 34°–48°F
July Avg: 51°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.8"
Annual Snowfall: 2.7"

Student Demographics

Bushnell draws students who want a close-knit Christian community in Oregon's college town of Eugene. About 61% come from in-state, reflecting the university's strong local reputation among families seeking faith-based education. Women make up 56% of the student body, typical for schools emphasizing education and service programs. The campus serves a economically diverse population, with over one-third receiving Pell Grants. This mix of local Oregon students and those from modest backgrounds aligns with Bushnell's Disciples of Christ mission of accessible Christian higher education.

Men: 43.5%
Women: 56.5%
White: 62.1%
Black: 2.8%
Hispanic: 14.1%
Asian: 3.9%
In-State Students: 60.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 34.4%

Location

Bushnell University sits in Eugene, Oregon, about 110 miles south of Portland. Eugene is home to 176,000 residents and serves as a quintessential Pacific Northwest college town. The University of Oregon dominates the city's identity, but Eugene offers plenty for students beyond campus life. The Cascade Mountains rise to the east while the Pacific Coast lies 60 miles west. Eugene's location provides access to hiking trails, rivers, and outdoor recreation that defines Oregon living. The city maintains a liberal, environmentally conscious culture typical of the region. With 60.92% of Bushnell students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Oregon's distinctive character. Students considering colleges in Oregon may also compare Bushnell University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Eugene, Oregon 97401-3745

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $53,623
Median Earnings (5 years): $54,483
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 53.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $249/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bushnell University?

Bushnell University accepts 66.85% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. This Christian university in Eugene draws students primarily interested in faith-based education and small class settings.

How much does Bushnell University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Bushnell University is $23,520, lower than the sticker price of $46,770. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $18,377 on average, reflecting the school's commitment to Christian accessibility.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Bushnell University?

Bushnell University maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with just 533 total students. This intimate environment allows for personalized attention in programs like business, education, and theology that the university is known for.

What are the career outcomes for Bushnell University graduates?

Bushnell University graduates earn a median salary of $53,623 ten years after graduation with a 95.1% employment rate. However, the 61.80% six-year graduation rate suggests some students take longer to complete their Christian liberal arts education.

Where do Bushnell University students live on campus?

Bushnell University houses 359 students in on-campus facilities, covering most of the 533-person student body. The close-knit residential community reinforces the Christian values and personal connections central to the Disciples of Christ tradition.

Does Bushnell University offer athletic scholarships?

Bushnell University awards $1,432,559 in athletic scholarships across 18 varsity sports with 271 total athletes. The Beacons compete in NJCAA athletics, providing competitive opportunities for over half the student body at this small Christian university.