Bluffton University Admissions

Bluffton University Admissions Overview:

As part of the application process, Bluffton requires students to submit scores from either the SAT or ACT—the writing section of either test is not required. Students can fill out an application online, and then must submit a high school transcript and a guidance counselor's recommendation. With an acceptance rate of 50%, Bluffton is somewhat selective, but applicants with good grades and test scores have a good chance of being accepted. The university has its own online application, or students can use the free Cappex application.

Admissions Data (2016):

• Bluffton University Acceptance Rate: 50%
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: - / -
  • SAT Math: - / -
  • SAT Writing: - / -
    • What these SAT numbers mean
  • ACT Composite: 19 / 24
  • ACT English: 18 / 24
  • ACT Math: 18 / 23
    • What these ACT numbers mean

Bluffton University Description:

Founded in 1899, Bluffton University is a small private university affiliated with the Mennonite Church USA. The school's 234-acre campus is located in the Bluffton, Ohio, a rural village located midway between Toledo, Columbus, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. Students can choose from over 50 academic programs including a adult degree-completion program in organizational management. Professional fields in business, management, and education are popular among Bluffton students. Academics are supported by a 14 to 1 student / faculty ratio, and the university takes pride in the close-knit community that exists both on campus and in the village. Bluffton's price tag may seem out of reach for many applicants, but keep in mind that nearly all students receive some form of grant aid. Bluffton tends to rank well among colleges in the Midwest. Students stay engaged outside of the classroom through participation in more than 40 clubs and organizations. Spiritual life is also active with regular chapel services and Spiritual Life Week, an event run each semester that features guest speakers and performances by Christian musicians. On the athletic front, all students are invited to participate in intramural sports including bowling, beach volleyball, 5 on 5 basketball, and tennis. On the intercollegiate front, the Bluffton Beavers compete in the NCAA Division III Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC). The university fields seven men's teams (including football) and seven women's teams.

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 952 (865 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 50% Male / 50% Female
• 84% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $30,762
• Books: $1,400 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $9,890
• Other Expenses: $2,600
• Total Cost: $44,652

Bluffton University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 100%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 100%
  • Loans: 81%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $18,323
  • Loans: $8,212

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Business Administration, Elementary Education, Food & Nutrition, Organizational Management, Social Work, Sport Management

Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 67%
• Transfer Out Rate: 39%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 44%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 49%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

• Men's Sports: Football, Baseball, Track and Field, Basketball, Soccer, Cross Country
• Women's Sports: Softball, Volleyball, Track and Field, Soccer, Cross Country

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

If You Like Bluffton University, You May Also Like These Schools:

Applicants interested in other small, well-ranked colleges in the Mid-west should take a look at Illinois College, Blackburn College, Lake Erie College, Eureka College, or Wabash College.

For those looking for an Ohio college or university affiliated with a religious institution, other great options include John Carroll University, Capital University, Ohio Dominican University, and Otterbein University.