Bluffton University is a private Christian liberal arts college in Bluffton, Ohio. It is located in the village of Northwest Ohio, with a total area of approximately 3.5 square miles. In 1899, the University was founded as Central Mennonite College, became Bluffton College in 1913, and it adopted the name of Bluffton University in 2004.

Bluffton University offers admissions in undergraduate and graduate levels of study. It is a small institution with 1,094 students. Admissions are very competitive, as Pluton's acceptance rate is 42%. It uses a semester-based education calendar. Bluffton Beavers is a member of the NCAA Division III and Heartland College Athletic Conference, and the school has more than a dozen university teams.

Highlights

Type of University Private
Year of Establishment 1899
Campus Setting Rural
Total Enrollment 1,094

Rankings

  • Ranked #26 in Regional Colleges Midwest (tie) by US News in 2023.
  • Ranked #19 in Best Value Schools by US News in 2023.
  • Ranked #26 in Top Performers on Social Mobility by US News in 2023.
  • Ranked #52 of 299 as Best Colleges for Sports Management in America by Niche in 2023.
  • Ranked #124 of 465 as Best Colleges for Public Policy in America by Niche in 2023.
  • Ranked #273 of 1,664 as the Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America by Niche in 2023.

Bluffton University Campus

The campus stretches up to 234 contiguous acres of rolling land, partially covered with a natural forest.

  • The 60-acre campus of the main campus occupies academic and residential buildings, a student center, and athletics.
  • Nearly 15 major buildings are there on campus including Musselman Library, College Hall, Centennial Hall.
  • Bluffton University offers more than 40 extracurricular organizations on campus.
  • Bluffton University also offers various clubs like the Art club, English club, and some other clubs for students.

Residence Facilities at Bluffton University

  • Bluffton University consists of six residence halls including,
    • Bren-Dell Hall
    • Hirschy Annex
    • Hirschy Hall
    • Neufeld Hall
    • Ramseyer Hall
    • Ropp Hall
  • All undergraduates who do not reside in the state with their families are required to live on campus.
  • Bluffton offers dining, a hospital, shopping, movie theater, golf, an airport, bowling, and more.
  • Almost 95% of UG students opt for on-campus accommodation.
  • Three different types of meal plans are offered to residential students. An additional plan is available only for commuting students.

Programs offered at Bluffton University

Bluffton University offers more than 85-degree programs through Bachelor's, Master's, Post-Graduate Certificate programs.

  • Bluffton University offers 6 graduate degree programs - 4 Master's, and 2 Post-bachelor's.
  • It also offers 2 distance-learning(online) Master’s degree programs.
  • The most popular degrees at Bluffton with international students are Business Administration & Management, Food, Nutrition & Related Services, and Accounting.

Application Process

International students who want to seek admissions at Bluffton University can follow the below-mentioned application process:

Application Portal: Bluffton Application or Common Application;

Application Fee: N/A

Supporting Documents:

  • Completed Application
  • Scores if Standardized Exams to study in the USA
  • Official high school transcript
  • English Proficiency Scores (for International Students)
  • Financial Information
  • Teaching license/Resume (for graduate programs in education applicants)
  • Valid Visa

To be considered for regular admission, applicants must meet one of these two criteria:

  • High school GPA of 3.0 or higher (ACT/SAT test scores not required)
  • 2.3 to 2.99 High school GPA and at least 19 ACT / 990 SAT is required
  • Standardized Test scores: 22 ACT or 1030 SAT
  • Grade Point Average: 3.3 (4.0 scale)
  • The application deadline is rolling. Applicants can apply after June 1.

At Bluffton University, the graduation rate is 54 % within 150% normal time, the retention rate is 66 %, and the transfer-out rate is 29 %, as of August 31, 2018.

Cost of Attendance

2023-2024 Undergraduate Tuition & Fees:

Year Tuition & Fees Other Expenses
2022-2023 $32,766 $13,400
2023-2024 $33,736 $13,724
Change % 2023-2024 2.96% 2.42%
2023-2024 $34,735 $14,056

2023-2024 Graduate Tuition & Fees:

Year Tuition & Fees Other Expenses
2022-2023 $10,425 $13,400
2023-2024 $10,650 $13,724
Change % 2023-2024 2.16% 2.42%
2023-2024 $10,880 $14,056

Scholarships & Financial Aid for International Students

  • A grant ranging from $1,000-$9,000 recognizes that international students encounter additional costs to travel to Bluffton University. $1,000 is automatically given to all qualified applicants. New students may apply for up to $9,000 based on financial need. This grant is renewable for four years.
  • Many additional scholarships and grants are available to international students to afford study in the USA.
  • Besides, international students can work on campus and earn the following:
    • Campus work-study (academic year) $2,340
    • Summer employment $4,960

Alumni Network

The Bluffton University Alumni Association provides two awards as Lifetime Service Award and the Outstanding Young Alumni Award for alumni.

Notable Alumni:

  • Tobias Buckell, author.
  • Seth Burkholder, a professional football player.
  • Arthur Compton, physicist and Nobel laureate who attended for one year.
  • Phyllis Diller, comedian.

Student Placements

Bluffton University provides various career fairs for improving job opportunities for students.

  • It also provides internships for improving job opportunities for students.
  • The average earning after 10 years of graduation is $41,700.
  • The salary range after graduation from Bluffton University varies by field of study and the average salary range $27,100 to $39,900.