Bluffton University Post Baccalaureate Program Financial Aid
In order to be eligible for the Federal Stafford Student Loan Program, students must be enrolled in a program leading to a degree or certificate and must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), listing Bluffton as one of the recipients. The federal school code for Bluffton University is 003016.
Stafford loans are student loans that are guaranteed or backed by the federal government. There are two types of Stafford loans, subsidized and unsubsidized.
Subsidized Stafford loans are awarded to students based on need. The federal government will pay the interest on this loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time, during the grace period, and during any authorized deferment periods.
Unsubsidized Stafford loans are not based on need, and the interest begins to accrue on this loan as soon as the funds are disbursed. A student can arrange to make interest only payments or allow the interest to accrue while in school, during the grace period, and during any authorized deferment periods.
Repayment of Stafford loans begins 6 months after the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment status. Subsidized Stafford loans disbursed between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009, will have a fixed interest rate of 6.0%. Unsubsidized Stafford loans disbursed after July 1, 2008, will have a fixed interest rate of 6.8%. All Stafford loans disbursed after July 1, 2006 and before July 1, 2008 will have a fixed interest rate of 6.8%. The variable interest rate will remain in effect for all Stafford loans disbursed prior to July 1, 2006. The interest rate for variable rate loans is adjusted each July 1 and has an interest rate cap of 8.5%.
Students with questions concerning financial assistance should contact the financial aid office at (419) 358-3266. The financial aid office is available to help estimate your eligibility for financial assistance. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Meeting times other than regular business hours can be arranged. The financial aid office can also be contacted via email at: finaid@bluffton.edu
