Bluffton University logo

Bluffton University

Bluffton, OH · Private Nonprofit

Visit Website →
61.2%
Acceptance
1020
SAT
$45,848
Sticker Price
$18,013
Net Price*
$49,547
Earnings
5 yrs
Payback
2,873
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

Apply Now Admissions Info Financial Aid Net Price Calculator

What is Bluffton University's acceptance rate?

Up 19.1 percentage points since 2018

With a 61.2% acceptance rate, Bluffton University is considered moderately selective. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Bluffton University?

Bluffton University received 2,873 applications in 2023, up 32% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 11% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Bluffton University?

Business Administration, Management and Operations leads as the most popular major at Bluffton University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Bluffton University?

Tuition has increased by 26% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 26% from $36,436 to $45,848.

Tuition Total Cost

How much do Bluffton University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Business Administration, Management and Operations earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $39,153 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Business Administration, Manag... $39,153
$7,727 $106,421
Human Resources Management and... $38,289
$7,727 $106,421
Accounting and Related Service... $38,289
$7,727 $106,421
Health and Physical Education/... $36,077
$7,727 $106,421
Special Education and Teaching $35,060
$7,727 $106,421
Social Work $33,637
$7,727 $106,421
Teacher Education and Professi... $28,598
$7,727 $106,421
This school National avg

Bluffton University Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 2,873 1,757 61.2% 10.8%
2022 1,105 1,064 96.3% 15.2%
2021 1,715 1,290 75.2% 18.8%
2020 1,504 910 60.5% 21.4%
2019 1,770 973 55.0% 23.7%
2018 2,175 914 42.0% 19.3%
2017 1,767 863 48.8% 24.4%
2016 1,480 733 49.5% 28.4%
2015 1,652 885 53.6% 24.6%

Is Bluffton University worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

4-Year Sticker Price --
4-Year Net Cost --
Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
Conservative (25th pct) -- --
Expected (median) -- --
Optimistic (75th pct) -- --
Payback Period --

Estimates based on College Scorecard averages. Use official calculator →

Get a Personalized ROI Comparison

Compare net cost and ROI across your college shortlist — tailored to your family income and major.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

What do Bluffton University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$49,547
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$13,100 $49,547 median $70,900

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $13,100 while the top 10% earn $70,900. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$41,940
Median Debt
$27,000
6-Year Graduation Rate
49.5%

How much does Bluffton University cost?

The total cost of attendance at Bluffton University is approximately $45,848 per year. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

Tuition
$33,952
Fees
$550
Room & Board
$11,346
Total Cost of Attendance
$45,848

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $16,521
$30-48k income $16,667
$48-75k income $18,013
$75-110k income $23,361
$110k+ income $13,482

Which majors pay the most?

  • Business Administration, Management and Operations $39,153
  • Human Resources Management and Services $38,289
  • Accounting and Related Services $38,289
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness $36,077
  • Special Education and Teaching $35,060

Who attends Bluffton University?

Bluffton University enrolls 678 students, with 1% from outside the United States. Women make up 45% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 678
Retention Rate 67%
International 1%
Women 45%
Race/Ethnicity
White 68%
Black 17%
Hispanic 3%
Asian 1%

How much financial aid is available?

96% of students receive some form of financial aid at Bluffton University. About 37% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 96%
Avg: $28,075 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 37%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 76%
Avg: $6,865
School's Own Grants 100%
Avg: $25,062 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Bluffton University are near the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

This school National avg

Image: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)