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Head-to-head comparison

Southern Oregon University vs Bushnell University: which has better ROI?

Public, Ashland OR · vs · Private nonprofit, Eugene OR

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Ashland, OR

Southern Oregon University

Net price / year
$16,732
Earnings, 10 years
$49,175
Payback
82.1 yrs

Option B Eugene, OR

Bushnell University

Net price / year
$20,789
Earnings, 10 years
$53,623
Payback
15.8 yrs
The verdict

Bushnell University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $83,156 in 15.8 years versus 82.1 years at Southern Oregon University, on median earnings of $53,623 vs $49,175 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouthern Oregon UniversityBushnell University
Net price / yr$16,732$20,789
Total net cost$66,928$83,156
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,175$53,623
Median debt$20,332$23,500
Payback82.1 yrs15.8 yrs
20-year net return-$50,628$22,104

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Southern Oregon University or Bushnell University?

Southern Oregon University, at $16,732 a year after aid versus $20,789 — a gap of $4,057 a year, or $16,228 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Southern Oregon University or Bushnell University graduates earn more?

Bushnell University graduates report a median $53,623 ten years after entry, $4,448 more than the $49,175 at Southern Oregon University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Southern Oregon University or Bushnell University?

Southern Oregon University: its completers carry a median $20,332 in federal loans versus $23,500 at Bushnell University, a difference of $3,168. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

56% of students finish at Bushnell University, against 43% at Southern Oregon University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Southern Oregon University vs Bushnell University: frequently asked questions

Is Southern Oregon University or Bushnell University a better value?
Bushnell University. It clears its $83,156 net cost in about 15.8 years versus 82.1 years at Southern Oregon University, on median earnings of $53,623 vs $49,175 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Southern Oregon University or Bushnell University?
Southern Oregon University: $16,732/yr net price after aid versus $20,789/yr at Bushnell University — a difference of $4,057 a year, or about $16,228 over four years.
Do Southern Oregon University or Bushnell University graduates earn more?
Bushnell University graduates earn a median $53,623 ten years after entry, versus $49,175 at Southern Oregon University — a $4,448 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.