Eugene, ORprivate nonprofitwww.bushnell.edu/
Bushnell University, a small Christian liberal arts school in Eugene, Oregon, blends career-focused programs with faith-based community. Known for its nursing and business programs, it offers a supportive, tight-knit environment where two-thirds of applicants get in—but only about half of those who enroll graduate within six years. With nearly all students receiving financial aid, Bushnell caters to those seeking a values-oriented education with practical outcomes.
Bushnell University maintains a moderately selective admissions process with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovering around 66-67%, according to multiple sources. The university is Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight., allowing applicants to choose whether to submit SAT, ACT, or CLT scores. While the school doesn't emphasize cutoffs, admitted students typically demonstrate solid academic preparation. Notably, female applicants are accepted at a slightly higher rate (70%) than the overall pool, per Peterson's data.
Bushnell's academic offerings lean heavily toward practical, career-aligned programs. Health professions dominate, accounting for 28% of majors, followed by business (15%) and psychology (15%). The nursing program is particularly popular, graduating 44 students annually—more than double any other major. Recent expansions include new programs in AI, finance, and public health launching in Fall 2026. The university organizes its curriculum through distinct schools: Theology, Arts & Sciences, Health Professions, Education, and Business & Technology, the latter offering accelerated dual-degree pathways.
Campus life at Bushnell revolves around its Christian identity, with policies and activities framed by 'the importance of promoting a Christ-centered community.' About 45% of students live on campus in residence halls that emphasize 'diverse opinions, cultures, and lifestyles' within a values-based framework. The university offers typical small-college amenities: intramurals, service opportunities, and clubs, all documented enthusiastically on their Instagram presence (@bushnellstudentlife). With no Greek system, social life centers on campus events and the natural beauty of Eugene's outdoor surroundings.
Graduation rates tell a mixed story: 62% of undergraduates complete their degrees, with significant gender disparity (67% for women vs. 51% for men). The six-year rate places Bushnell in the middle tier among Christian colleges (#5/15). MBA students fare better, with a 75% completion rate. Early career median salaries hover around $53,623—respectable for a regional university. The institution spends heavily on instruction, with 43.2% of its $19.1M budget going to faculty salaries.
With a sticker price of $50,600, Bushnell offsets costs aggressively: 90% of students receive aid, averaging $23,133 for first-year undergraduates. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests most students pay significantly less than the published tuition. Unique perks include free tutoring and career services. Graduate students can tap private scholarships through platforms like finaid.org, though institutional aid for advanced degrees appears less robust.
Bushnell carves a distinct niche as an unapologetically Christian university that prioritizes job-ready degrees—especially in healthcare—while maintaining small classes and high faculty engagement. Its 10:1 student-faculty ratio fosters mentorship, and the forthcoming tech-oriented programs signal adaptability. Though retention lags behind elite peers, the university delivers strong value for students seeking faith integration with professional preparation in Oregon's Willamette Valley.