Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Eugene, Oregon
66.4% Acceptance Rate
Bushnell University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
66.4%Acceptance Rate
3.45Avg GPA
1120Avg SAT
$45,535Annual Cost
$53,623Grad Salary
34.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
66.4%
Avg GPA
3.45
Avg SAT
1120
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
1010–1315
Need-Based Aid
34.4% receive Pell
Bushnell University, established in 1895 in Eugene, Oregon, is a private Christian university ranked #71 in Regional Universities West by U.S. News. Formerly Northwest Christian University, it offers programs in psychology, education, and business with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The 72-acre campus features the Morse Event Center and the newly renovated Kellenberger Library. Bushnell's Purposeful Learning' model combines liberal arts with career readiness through internships and community partnerships.
The university's location in Oregon's Willamette Valley provides outdoor recreation and access to Eugene's tech and healthcare sectors. Bushnell emphasizes service-learning, with programs like the Leadership and Ethics Academy. NCAA Division II athletics and a strong alumni network in the Pacific Northwest further enhance student opportunities.
Bushnell University Acceptance Rate
Bushnell University takes a broad view of applicants, admitting about 66.4% each year.
What Bushnell Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 66.4% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.45 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.25 – 3.44
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.00
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Bushnell University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Bushnell University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Bushnell reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (2026/12/01 (competitive scholarship priority)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Bushnell GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Bushnell is 3.45. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.15–3.45 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently — for an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.65–3.85.Bushnell GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.45 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.25 – 3.44
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.05 – 3.24
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.04
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Acceptance rate approximately 66-68% per IPEDS 2024-25; $0 application fee; no personal essay required; no letter of recommendation required; test-optional; uses Common App; fall deadline approximately late July - one of the latest deadlines in the Pacific Northwest. Average enrolled GPA approximately 3.45-3.54.
- Campus is physically separated from the University of Oregon by a single lane of Alder Street; Bushnell students have Knight Library checkout privileges, can attend UO public events and lectures, and can cross-register for select UO courses - a meaningful resource extension built into Bushnell's founding philosophy from 1895.
- Formally renamed from Northwest Christian University to Bushnell University on July 1, 2020; older records, alumni materials, and rankings from before 2020 reference the prior names - counselors should update databases accordingly.
- Bushnell is affiliated with the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement (Christian Church/Disciples of Christ heritage); CCCU member; does not require faith affirmation for admission; NAIA athletics (16 varsity sports, Cascade Collegiate Conference); IACBE business accreditation; CACREP-equivalent counseling accreditation; NWCCU regional accreditation since 1962.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Bushnell
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Bushnell University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Bushnell University (Bushnell) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Bushnell is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Bushnell Without SAT or ACT?
Bushnell considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
Bushnell University Average SAT Score: 1120
The average SAT score of admitted students at Bushnell University is 1120 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1120 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1315 SAT) to stand out. Below average? Bushnell University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1010, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Bushnell. Retaking multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 585 | 490 | 680 |
| SAT Reading | 578 | 520 | 635 |
| SAT Composite | 1120 | 1010 | 1315 |
Below 1010, you're behind most admitted students; at 1315 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Bushnell University (Bushnell) with a 1300 SAT?
A 1300 SAT puts you ahead of most of Bushnell's admitted class — but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Bushnell
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Bushnell is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Apply via Common App - No Essay, No Recommendation, No Fee Required for Standard Freshman Admission
Bushnell University accepts first-year applications through the Common App with no application fee, no personal essay required, no letter of recommendation required, and a test-optional policy (SAT and ACT scores considered if submitted but not required). The application is as streamlined as any accredited university's process. The published fall deadline for the most recent cycle was July 26 - unusually late, which reflects Bushnell's commitment to access for students still finalizing their college decisions in summer. The average enrolled GPA is approximately 3.45-3.54 unweighted; the acceptance rate is approximately 66-68% per IPEDS 2024-25. While no essay is required, students applying for competitive or scholarship consideration should contact Bushnell's admissions team about additional materials or deadlines for merit award programs - the open application structure does not mean all aid is equally available regardless of timing.
The University of Oregon Is Literally Next Door - Use That Access Strategically
Bushnell University's campus is separated from the University of Oregon by a single lane of Alder Street. This is not a metaphor or an approximation - the two campuses share a physical boundary. Bushnell students have access to UO library checkout privileges at Knight Library, can attend free UO public lectures and events, and can cross-register for select UO courses. Bushnell's own founder, Eugene Sanderson, designed the institution in 1895 specifically to sit adjacent to UO so that divinity students could take broader academic subjects on the neighboring campus. That founding logic still shapes how thoughtful Bushnell students can structure their education today: a Bushnell degree in theology, business, counseling, or education can be enriched by access to the UO's research infrastructure, athletics, cultural events, and internship networks in Eugene's technology and outdoor industry sectors - without paying UO tuition.
Know What "Bushnell" Means Before You Apply - and Know It Used to Be Northwest Christian
Bushnell University renamed itself from Northwest Christian University effective July 1, 2020, honoring James A. Bushnell, the first chair of its board of trustees in 1895. Before that it was Northwest Christian College (1934-2008) and earlier Eugene Bible College, Eugene Bible University, and the Eugene Divinity School (1895). The institutional lineage is deeply rooted in the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement of the early 19th century - a Christian tradition emphasizing church unity, abolition of creeds, and a return to the principles of the early church. Bushnell is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ - a broadly evangelical but ecumenical heritage that is less doctrinally prescriptive than fundamentalist Baptist or confessional Lutheran institutions. The campus does not require faith affirmation for general admission; it is a CCCU (Council for Christian Colleges and Universities) member with a broadly faith-integrated mission.
The Accelerated BSN Is a Concrete Pathway Worth Knowing for Students with a Prior Bachelor's Degree
Bushnell's School of Health Professions offers an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program specifically designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and want to enter nursing. This program appears in Bushnell's academic offerings and represents a distinct admission category from traditional undergraduate admission - the ABSN has its own prerequisites, timeline, and cohort structure. For post-baccalaureate students exploring nursing as a second career or an adjacent professional development, Bushnell's location in Eugene (with access to regional Oregon healthcare systems) and the ABSN pathway make it a viable option. Students interested in this track should contact Bushnell's School of Health Professions directly, as ABSN requirements, cohort sizes, and timelines are separate from the standard undergraduate admissions calendar and operate on their own cycle.
Expert Insight:
Bushnell University (Eugene OR, UNITID 209409) is frequently unknown to students and counselors under its current name because it renamed itself from Northwest Christian University in 2020 - older databases, alumni directories, rankings from before 2020, and many counselor records still reference "Northwest Christian University" or even "Northwest Christian College." When researching financial aid history, scholarship databases, or athletic recruiting records from before 2020, search under the prior names. Bushnell is also sometimes confused with Bushnell University in the abstract with Bethel University in Eugene (a different institution) or with Pacific University, George Fox University, and other Oregon Christian colleges. Confirm UNITID 209409 and bushnell.edu before referencing any admissions or financial aid data.
Bushnell Profile
Full Name
Bushnell University (Bushnell)
City
Eugene
State
Oregon
ZIP Code
97401-3745
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a Bushnell Degree Worth It?
Whether Bushnell is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals — here's the data to weigh it against.
The average household income among admitted students is $52,700, with a graduate unemployment rate of 4.34%.
How much does a degree from Bushnell Cost?
The sticker price is $45,535/year, but the average net price students actually pay — after Pell and federal grants — is typically much lower.
34.4% of students receive a Pell Grant and 59.1% take federal loans at Bushnell — file your FAFSA early and list Bushnell as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Bushnell Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $53,623 — about 32% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Bushnell University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Bushnell University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Bushnell University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Bushnell
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Bushnell Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Bushnell University run about $53,623 a year.
Bushnell University costs roughly $45,535 a year — most students combine this with scholarships or aid.
About 34.4% receive a Pell Grant at Bushnell University — moderate odds, largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 66.4%, Bushnell University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Bushnell University average a 3.45 GPA.
Bushnell University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor — but landing at or above 3.15 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.05, Bushnell University becomes a harder reach — though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Bushnell University — aim above 1120, ideally within the 1010–1315 range admitted students typically fall in.
Bushnell University follows Rolling Admissions — applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is 2026/12/01 (competitive scholarship priority). Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes — transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most — along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.