Financing your education

At Bluffton University, helping students attain their educational goals is our priority and your financial needs get our personal attention. Students may qualify for financial aid from a variety and combination of sources and the financial aid staff is committed to working with every student to ensure that each student obtains the financial aid assistance they are eligible to receive.

Students interested in applying for institutional, federal and state grants and scholarships must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be completed and submitted as early as January 1 for the next academic year. The student and parent must have a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to sign the FAFSA electronically.

 Please be aware:

  • Financial aid helps cover your educational expenses. It is intended to supplement and not replace what you and your family can afford. 
  • If you intend to utilize financial aid from year to year, you must reapply annually through the FAFSA application. Bluffton University’s priority FAFSA filing date is May 1.
  • You will be awarded your maximum eligibility. You must contact the financial aid office if there is any part of your award that you do not want or need.
  • Financial aid funds must be used solely for expenses related to attendance at Bluffton University.
  • Bluffton University reserves the right to cancel an award at any time because of changes in financial or academic status. Students who receive financial aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the financial aid office.
  • Recipients of financial aid are to notify the financial aid office of any other scholarships, loans or employment benefits extended to them from sources outside of the university. An adjustment in your total financial aid may be made, if necessary.
  • Students borrowing loan funds from the Federal Direct Loan program or the Federal Perkins loan program for the first time are required to complete necessary paperwork. See Loans for additional information on the necessary paperwork. Prior to graduating, withdrawing or transferring from Bluffton University, students will be required to complete Exit Loan Counseling.
  • A campus job is included in the financial aid award. Students may earn up to the amount listed, however, this is not guaranteed. The amount earned will depend on the payrate and the amount of hours actually worked. Students are paid directly on the 15th of each month and the amount is not reflected on their account. Students who are interested in working must complete an application.
 Types of aid available