BLUFFTON, Ohio (WLIO) — Bluffton University is working to remove financial barriers for students who may not be able to afford a college education.
The university announced several new affordability initiatives for the 2026 school year aimed at easing the cost of higher education. Among the changes, Bluffton is increasing its “Academic Merit” scholarships by $2,000 and introducing a new “County Connect” grant of $1,000 for students from Allen, Hancock, Hardin, and Putnam counties.
In addition, the university is launching the “Be a Beaver Program,” which guarantees full tuition coverage for students who meet certain academic and financial aid criteria.
Alex Sider, president of Bluffton University, said, “Students who are coming from economically disadvantaged families, but who have proven themselves again and again and again in their education, up to the point of enrolling in college, and who are ready for a Bluffton education.”
More information about all three initiatives is available at bluffton.edu/apply.
September 29, 2025, Press Release from Bluffton University:
BLUFFTON, Ohio — Bluffton University is taking bold steps to make a high-quality education more affordable and accessible for students and families.
Bluffton is excited to introduce the Be a Beaver Program, guaranteeing full tuition coverage for qualifying students through a combination of federal, state, and Bluffton University aid.
To qualify for the Be a Beaver Program, students must:
- Apply and be accepted as a first-time freshman
- File the FAFSA and show a total family income of $45,000 or less
- Hold a 3.1 cumulative high school GPA
- Maintain full-time enrollment until graduation
The award is renewable for four years when students meet academic and financial aid requirements.
Additionally, Bluffton is increasing the value of its academic merit scholarships by $2,000, giving students even more recognition for their hard work in high school and lowering their out-of-pocket costs. This enhancement ensures students are rewarded for their hard work and academic achievement while reducing the overall cost of attendance.
Finally, students who live in or attend high school in Allen, Hancock, Hardin or Putnam counties in Ohio will automatically receive a $1,000 County Connect Grant, making a Bluffton education even more accessible for local families.
“These initiatives reinforce Bluffton’s long-standing mission of providing a high-value education that prepares students for responsible lives and vocations,” said Bluffton University president Alex Sider. “We want every student who is ready to succeed at Bluffton to know that cost will not stand in their way.”
With these initiatives, Bluffton University continues its legacy of empowering students to pursue higher education with confidence, knowing they are supported financially and academically every step of the way.
“We know families are looking for clear and predictable ways to plan for college costs,” said Claire Kleman, vice president of advancement and enrollment management. “These new scholarships and programs not only provide more financial support, but they also show Bluffton’s commitment to cost transparency and to making higher education within reach for more students.”
Bluffton University has consistently ranked as a Top Performer for Social Mobility in Midwest Regional Colleges and shown high graduation rates in Pell Grant eligible students. This confirms what we already believe: that access, support and persistent focus on outcomes make a real difference in students’ lives.
Bluffton’s new affordability initiatives will take effect beginning with new students entering in fall 2026. Students interested in these opportunities can apply for admission to Bluffton at www.bluffton.edu/apply
Driven by peace-church tradition and a focused on developing students for life as well as vocation, Bluffton has spent 125 years learning, experiencing and bettering the world together.
Located on a 65-acre residential campus in northwest Ohio and lined with abundant natural beauty, Bluffton University offers more than 90 majors, minors and programs for undergraduate students. Bluffton also offers graduate programs in business administration (MBA), dietetics (MND), education (MAEd) and social work (MSW).
