Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Bushnell University

Bushnell's communications program shows a debt load that outpaces what graduates in Oregon typically face—an estimated $25,832 compared to the state median of $21,500 for similar programs. Combined with first-year earnings of around $37,012 based on peer schools in Oregon, this creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70. That means roughly two-thirds of a year's salary going toward debt, which is manageable but not ideal for a field where entry-level compensation tends to be modest.

The estimated earnings align with what other Oregon communications programs produce, sitting right at the state median. Nationally, similar programs earn slightly more at $39,794, but the difference isn't dramatic. The real challenge is the debt side: you're looking at roughly $4,300 more in loans than typical for Oregon programs in this field. For a family considering this investment, that translates to meaningfully higher monthly payments during those crucial early career years when raises are slow and living costs in Eugene aren't cheap.

The bottom line: this program appears to deliver typical Oregon outcomes for communications graduates, but at an above-average price. If your child has significantly lower-debt options—community college transfers, in-state publics, or merit aid elsewhere—those paths would preserve the same career trajectory with less financial strain. The field itself is viable, but the premium here doesn't come with evidence of premium results.