UnisHub University Compass

Bluffton University : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

0 · 0 reviews

About Bluffton University

A wooded nature preserve edges campus, and you can hear the creek on quiet mornings. Bluffton University is known for a liberal arts core with strengths in the sciences, business, education, the arts, and social sciences. Faculty mentor closely, supported by writing help, tutoring, counseling, and approachable advising. Labs and studios, a light filled library, performance spaces, and fitness facilities set the scene.

Student life leans community first: music and theater, campus ministry and service projects, intramurals, and weekend trails. The culture has a reputation for reflection and purpose shaped by Mennonite roots, plus traditions like a spring campus celebration and student-run ventures. Career prep shows up in internships with regional employers, alumni mentoring, and hands-on research. And the small town welcomes students with local shops and festivals, while the region offers real opportunities. Notable alum: Buffalo Bills receiver Elbert Dubenion.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
1 University Drive, Bluffton, Ohio, 45817, USA
Unit ID
201371

Academic & Institutional

Control
Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation
HLC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Campus Setting
Located in a distant rural area (5-25 miles from urban area)
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate - Diverse Fields
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$36,298
Tuition $35,498 + Fee $800
Out-of-State
$36,298
Tuition $35,498 + Fee $800
Student Profile
Total Students 678
Undergraduate 595
Graduate/Other 83
Male: 372 Female: 306
Applications
Total Applicants 2,873
Admitted 1,757
Enrolled 190
Acceptance: 61.2% Yield: 10.8%
Staff
Total Staff 176
Full-time 116
Part-time 60
Full-time: 65.9% Part-time: 34.1%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

Bluffton University offers 28 degree programs across 14 major academic fields, graduating approximately 164 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Education (5 programs, 62 graduates), Business (4 programs, 33 graduates), Kinesiology (2 programs, 19 graduates), Health (5 programs, 12 graduates) and Psychology (1 programs, 6 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Education (5 programs, 62 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Education 37
Master's
13.0101
Elementary Education 14
Bachelor's
13.1202
Special Education Teaching 6
Bachelor's
13.1001
Middle School Education and Teaching 4
Bachelor's
13.1203
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching 1
Bachelor's
13.1401
Business (4 programs, 33 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration and Management 21
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0201
Accounting 7
Bachelor's
52.0301
Organizational Behavior 3
Bachelor's
Master's
52.1003
Marketing Management 2
Bachelor's
52.1401
Kinesiology (2 programs, 19 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Sport and Fitness Management 14
Bachelor's
31.0504
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education 5
Bachelor's
31.0501
Health (5 programs, 12 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology 4
Bachelor's
51.0204
Clinical Nutrition 3
Master's
51.3102
Pre-Physical Therapy 2
Bachelor's
51.1109
Registered Nursing 2
Bachelor's
51.3801
Art Therapy 1
Bachelor's
51.2301
Psychology (1 programs, 6 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 6
Bachelor's
42.0101
Human Sciences (1 programs, 5 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies 5
Bachelor's
19.0501
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 5 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biology and Biological Sciences 5
Bachelor's
26.0101
Arts (2 programs, 5 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Art Studies 4
Bachelor's
50.0701
Graphic Design 1
Bachelor's
50.0409
Communication (1 programs, 4 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Communication and Media Studies 4
Bachelor's
09.0100
Public Services (1 programs, 4 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Social Work 4
Bachelor's
44.0701

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Bluffton University.

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Record
Required
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
920 - 1130
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 480 - 560
Median: 500
Math 440 - 570
Median: 520
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
17 - 23
25th-75th percentile
English 15 - 22
Median: 19
Math 17 - 24
Median: 20

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$52,514
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$52,514
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$36,298
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$36,298
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$11,866 (on) / $8,930 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,600
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$2,750 (on) / $6,050 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$5,050
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$9,790
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$9,790
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

24%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$29,291
Avg. Loan
$8,998
Avg. Federal Loan
$6,027
Additional
Students with Any Grant
162
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
132
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
78
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$25,062
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

50%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
67%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$37,115 – $65,380
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$37,115 (25th %) $65,380 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $49,547
Median Salary After 6 Years
$41,940
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$49,547
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
64.4%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
78.4%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$27,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 48.1%
Middle 62.7%
High 83.9%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 67.8%
Independent 51.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Bluffton University

How much does it cost to attend Bluffton University?

The annual tuition at Bluffton University is $36,298 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $52,514 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,866 (on) / $8,930 (off) and books and supplies $1,600.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Bluffton University offer?

Bluffton University offers 28 academic programs across 14 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (5 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (4 programs)
  • Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation (2 programs)
  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (5 programs)
  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Bluffton University?

Bluffton University has an 61.2% acceptance rate and a 10.8% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 2,873
  • Students admitted: 1,757
  • Students enrolled: 190

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Bluffton University?

Bluffton University provides financial aid to 24% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $29,291 and average loans of $8,998.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,767
  • State/Local grants: $4,361
  • Institutional grants: $25,062
  • Federal loans: $6,027

The university supports 162 students with grants and 132 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Bluffton University graduates?

Bluffton University graduates earn a median salary of $41,940 after 6 years and $49,547 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $37,115 (25th percentile) to $65,380 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $70,900 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

Campus map for Bowling Green State University, Firelands
Bowling Green State University, Firelands
One University Drive, Huron, OH 44839-9791
View Profile
Campus map for Bowling Green State University, Main Campus
Bowling Green State University, Main Campus
220 McFall Ctr, Bowling Green, OH 43403
View Profile
Campus map for Bryant & Stratton College, Parma
Bryant & Stratton College, Parma
12955 Snow Rd, Parma, OH 44130-3151
View Profile
Campus map for Buckeye Hills Career Center
Buckeye Hills Career Center
351 Buckeye Hills Road, Rio Grande, OH 45674-0157
View Profile
Found this helpful? Share it!

Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.