At $23,520/yr net price, Bushnell University graduates earn $53,623/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,623/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,520 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,080 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,623/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,623/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,377/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,119/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,732/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,304/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,182/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $41,007 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $40,458 |
The Risk Factor
61.8% of students at Bushnell University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Bushnell University offers a financially challenging proposition with median earnings of $53,623 ten years after graduation against a net price of $23,520 annually. Your investment faces significant headwinds from a 61.8% graduation rate, meaning nearly four in ten students never finish their degree.
The earnings picture varies dramatically by program. Education majors, despite being among the university's flagship offerings, face particularly tough financial prospects with starting salaries around $40,000. This creates a concerning gap between your educational investment and earning potential in the regional job market around Eugene.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the retention statistics. With only 71.4% of students returning for their second year, Bushnell struggles to keep students engaged and on track to graduate. If you transfer or drop out, you absorb the debt without the degree benefits.
The school works best financially for students with strong family support or significant merit aid who can minimize borrowing. With median debt at $23,500, graduates face manageable loan payments relative to their earnings, but only if they actually graduate. Students interested in education should carefully weigh whether the career satisfaction justifies the financial trade-offs.
Bushnell makes less financial sense for students needing to maximize earning potential or those without clear career direction. The combination of modest post-graduation earnings and retention challenges creates unnecessary financial risk. Students seeking higher-paying fields should consider programs with stronger job market connections in the Pacific Northwest region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bushnell University worth the cost?
Bushnell University graduates earn $53,623 annually 10 years after graduation, which is reasonable given the $23,520 net annual cost. However, the 62% graduation rate means many students don't complete their degrees, making the investment risky for students who may struggle academically.
What programs at Bushnell University have the best return on investment?
Bushnell's top-earning programs are Educational/Instructional Media Design ($41,007) and Teacher Education ($40,458), both below the school's overall graduate median of $53,623. Students should carefully consider whether these education-focused programs align with their career goals and salary expectations.
How much debt do Bushnell University graduates typically have?
Bushnell graduates have a median debt of $23,500, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. With graduates earning around $53,623 annually, the debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for those who complete their degrees.
Does Bushnell University provide good financial aid?
Bushnell's net price of $23,520 per year suggests decent financial aid for a private university. The relatively low median debt of $23,500 indicates the school helps students avoid excessive borrowing, though outcomes depend heavily on individual financial aid packages.