Analysis
A debt load around $23,000 for first-year earnings of $45,000 creates a manageable starting point—similar marketing programs in Oregon typically produce a debt-to-earnings ratio just above 0.5, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. This is far more favorable than many bachelor's degrees, where debt can easily exceed annual earnings. Marketing programs in Oregon show consistency across institutions, with peer schools reporting first-year salaries clustering tightly between $42,000 and $47,000, suggesting the field offers relatively stable entry points regardless of where you study.
The estimated figures here—drawn from comparable Oregon marketing programs—align closely with national benchmarks ($44,728 median nationally), which reinforces that marketing graduates generally land in a predictable earnings band early in their careers. Given Bushnell's smaller size and 66% admission rate, the program likely offers more individualized attention than you'd find at Oregon State, though the financial outcomes appear similar. The key advantage is graduating with lower debt than the national median ($24,267) while hitting typical market-rate salaries.
For families evaluating cost versus return, this program presents a workable proposition: modest debt that shouldn't dominate your child's early career decisions, paired with earnings that match what marketing graduates earn elsewhere in the state. The real question becomes whether Bushnell's specific approach to marketing education—likely more relationship-focused given its size—justifies any premium over lower-cost alternatives.
Where Bushnell University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (9 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,740 | $45,015* | — | $22,821* | — | |
| $49,530 | $46,734* | $57,052 | $27,000* | 0.58 | |
| $40,940 | $46,140* | $67,336 | $21,000* | 0.46 | |
| $13,494 | $45,015* | $63,235 | $20,500* | 0.46 | |
| $12,594 | $45,015* | $63,235 | $20,500* | 0.46 | |
| $54,900 | $41,792* | $50,773 | $22,821* | 0.55 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728* | — | $24,267* | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with marketing graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Marketing Managers
Sales Managers
Fundraising Managers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Fundraisers
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bushnell University, approximately 34% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in OR. Actual outcomes may vary.