| Estimated Variable Costs (these costs are not included on your student invoice) |
|
|---|---|
| Textbooks and supplies | $1,600 |
| Personal expenses | $2,304 |
| Transportation | $904 |
Tuition and fees
Fear not. Every Bluffton University student receives institutional financial aid.
- Bluffton is in the Top 10 Percent in financial aid given among private four-year colleges and universities in Ohio and...
- Tuition is below the average amount in those same schools.
- Use the Net Price Calculator to estimate your academic scholarship.
2025-26 FEE SCHEDULE
| Semester Amount | Yearly Amount | ||
| Tuition (12-17 hours/semester) | $18,830 | $37,660 | |
| Technology fee | 412 | 824 | |
| Student activity fee | 103 | 206 | |
| Room | 3,098 | 6,196 | |
| Board (15 meal plan) | 3,195 | 6,390 | |
| Parking fee | 25 | 50 | |
| Becoming a Student fee (new students only) | 150 | ||
| Total | $25,663 | $51,476 |
- Tuition:
- Charge per semester hour if less than 12 hours: $1,570 per semester hour
- Charge per semester hour over 17 hours: $1,570 per semester hour
- Technology fee covers:
- Access to the campus network
- High speed Internet connection from the residence hall room and around campus
- Campus email address
- Access to online course information and student records
- Technology center access
- Access to OhioLINK electronic library resources
- Regular upgrades to student computing resources
2025 summer tuition fees
| Tuition per credit hour | $412 |
| Technology fee - 11 hours or less (part time) | $52 |
| Technology fee - 12 hours or more (full time) | $104 |
Estimated Cost of attendance
The Estimated Cost of Attendance is the combination of Direct Charges (tuition, housing, dining and fees) and Variable Expenses (textbooks, transportation and personal expenses).
Federal regulations require institutions provide an estimate of all costs associated with attending Bluffton University. Variable expenses are estimates and vary based on your personal choices. Textbooks, supplies, personal expenses and transportation costs are the responsibility of the student and costs vary.
The campus bookstore offers books for purchase or rent, including buyback options. New students at Bluffton will be presented with their options during summer orientation.
on-campus housing and food
Living expenses includes fees for living in the residence halls and meals. Students who live in Neufeld Hall or Ramseyer Hall are charged an additional $50 per semester. There is an additional charge for apartment living. Students living in the apartments must select at least an Apartment 70 block meal plan, whereas students in other residence halls must select a 10 meal plan at the minimum.
| Residence Hall | Room charge per semester |
Super Single charge per semester |
|---|---|---|
| Bren-Dell, Ropp, Hirschy Complex | $3,098 | $3,891 |
| Neufeld, Ramseyer (air conditioned) | $3,150 | $3,943 |
| Riley Court apartments (air conditioned) | $4,458 | $5,251 |
Meal plans
Residential students are initially billed for the Premier 15-meal plan. Each meal plan includes “Beaver Bucks,” dollars that can be used to purchase food items in the snack bar or additional meals in The Commons. Residential students are required to choose one of three meal plans: Full Value 20 plus meal plan, Premier 15 Plus meal plan or Basic 10 Plus meal plan. First-year students must select between the 20 meal plan or the 15 meal plan their first semester, and have the option of selecting the 10 meal plan beginning their second semester. Commuter and apartment meal plans are also available.
Meal plan options
| Semester fee | |
| Full Value 20 Plus 20 meal plan per week w/ $50 Beaver Bucks Our best value meal plan. This traditional plan provides students personal access to the Commons for each of our 20 meals per week. Plus, students receive $50 in Beaver Bucks each semester. You don't have to worry about keeping track of your meals and you will always have three meals a day and two on Sunday. |
$3,328 |
| Premier 15 Plus 15 meal plan per week w/ $100 Beaver Bucks This dining option offers more flexibility by allowing students any 15 meals per week in the Commons. Plus, students receive $100 in Beaver Bucks per semester. |
$3,195 |
| Basic 10 plus 10 meal plan per week w/$150 Beaver Bucks This plan provides students access to any 10 meals per week in the Commons. Plus, students receive $150 in Beaver Bucks each semester. This plan is not available during fall semester for first-year students. |
$3,068 |
| Apartment block 70 70 meals per semester w/ $150 Beaver Bucks This plan provides students living in the university apartments with the option of 70 meals per semester in the Commons. Plus, students receive $150 in Beaver Bucks that can be used for purchases in Bob’s Place or additional meals in the Commons. This plan is only available for those living in the university apartments. |
$1,181 |
|
Commuter options |
$1,208 |
>>> more information about meal plans and Beaver Bucks
Advance deposit
Upon notification of admission to Bluffton University and the student’s decision to
attend, a deposit (applied to the first semester fees) of $100 is due. The deposit is non-refundable after May 1 for fall semester starts.
billing, payment plan and refund information
Bluffton University uses electronic billing (e-bill) as its official billing method. The student is responsible for viewing and paying their student account e-bill by the scheduled due date. Students will be sent an e-bill beginning July 1 and the first of every month thereafter if a balance remains.