Consumer information
General information
Parents (of dependent students), to the extent that they are able, have the primary
responsibility to pay for their child's education. Students are also expected to contribute
to their educational costs. Eligibility for federal grants and loans and state need-based
grants is determined by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Bluffton University also requires the FAFSA to determine eligibility for need-based
institutional aid.
Application procedures
Students seeking financial aid are required to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually. Electronic submission of the FAFSA is recommended for completing the FAFSA.
The federal school code for Bluffton University is 003016. A financial aid award notice
is generated and sent to the accepted or continuing student when FAFSA data is received
and any other required documentation is on file.
Deadlines
Students should be aware of application deadlines established by off-campus sources
of aid including state and federal agencies. These deadlines are announced about one
year before the beginning of the academic year.
Because of limited resources, the State of Ohio maintains an October 1 deadline for Ohio need-based aid (the Ohio College Opportunity Grant). Bluffton University need-based aid is also limited. Therefore, Bluffton University maintains a FAFSA priority deadline of May 1 for both new and returning students. This means that any accepted, first-time or returning student filing the FAFSA after May 1, could be denied need-based funds administered by Bluffton University if funds have been depleted. This May 1 priority deadline is in effect for federal campus-based programs (Federal Perkins loans, FSEOG grants and federal work-study) and for Bluffton University need-based grants.
|
|
Residential students
|
Dependent
commuter
|
Independent
commuter
|
|
Books and supplies
|
$1,400
|
$1,400
|
$1,400
|
|
Personal expenses
|
$1,600
|
$1,600
|
$3,750
|
|
Transportation
|
$900
|
$2,400
|
$2,400
|
|
Room and board
|
$9,010
|
$1,600
|
$5,800
|
|
Total
|
$12,910
|
$7,000
|
$13,350
|
Bluffton University offers many different scholarships and grants. A complete listing of these can be found at Bluffton scholarships and grants. Bluffton University grants and scholarships are awarded for a maximum of four years (eight semesters) except where noted.
Students receiving a Bluffton University scholarship and/or grant that has a GPA requirement for renewal, must maintain the minimum GPA to continue to receive that scholarship or grant. Scholarships or grants that are awarded based on participation in a program or specific major of study may have additional requirements for renewal. A student who falls below the requisite GPA for scholarship renewal at the end of an academic year will continue to receive the award during a scholarship grace period and this student will continue to receive the scholarship in subsequent semesters as long as the cumulative GPA goes up. If/when the requisite GPA for renewal is reached, the scholarship is fully reinstated. If at the end of any semester during a scholarship grace period the cumulative GPA does not go up, the scholarship is lost. A student also has the option to appeal the loss of a scholarship based on documented extenuating circumstances.
Student employment
Bluffton University has a wide variety of student employment opportunities available
to students through the Learn and Earn Program. Students are paid monthly for working
on campus. Complete information about terms of employment is provided with the student
employment work agreement. The federal programs including federal work-study, community
service, America Reads and America Counts are all administered under the Learn and
Earn Program at Bluffton University. More about campus jobs...
A complete list and description of Ohio financial aid programs can be found at: www.regents.ohio.gov/sgs/.
The following federal programs are administered by Bluffton University: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and the TEACH Grant.For additional information and eligibility requirements for these programs go to Federal grants.
Loan programs
Federal Direct Loan program
The Federal Direct Loan Program offers low cost loans to students. Subsidized loan
amounts are calculated on need as determined by the FAFSA. Unsubsidized loans are
not need-based. For additional information on annual loan limits, interest rates,
etc. see Loans.
Federal Perkins Loan
Bluffton University also participates in the low interest, need-based Federal Perkins
Loan program. To be considered for eligibility, a student must file the FAFSA and
have demonstrated financial need. The interest rate on the Federal Perkins loan is
5 percent. Repayment begins following a nine-month grace period after a student ceases
to be enrolled at least half-time. The minimum quarterly payment is $120 and borrowers
have a maximum of 10 years to repay.
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
The Federal Direct PLUS Loan allows for parents to borrow up to the student's cost
of attendance, minus other financial aid. Parents can apply on-line and must complete
an application and Master Promissory Note (MPN) for each dependent student for whom
they are applying. The PLUS loan is subject to approval and a 4 percent origination
fee. For more information on PLUS loans see Loans.
Private education loans
Several lending institutions offer private or alternative loans to students and families.
Various options and terms apply which should be weighed carefully before any commitment
is made. Additional information and loan comparison tool is available at Loans.
Bluffton University monitors student progress toward a degree on a per-term and annual basis for academic and financial aid purposes. Students who meet regular academic requirements for continuing their enrollment are eligible for financial aid. For a complete review of Bluffton University's Satisfactory Academic Progress see the Bluffton University Catalog.
