Post Baccalaureate Financial Aid Policies

In order to be eligible for the Federal Direct 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.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs

All first-time Direct Loan borrowers at Bluffton must complete Entrance Loan Counseling and a Master Promissory Note at Studentloans.gov.

        Federal Direct Subsidized Loans

  • Need based loan
  • No interest while a student is registered for at least six credit hours
  • Fixed interest rate of 3.4%
  • 1% origination fee
  • Repayment on the principal begins six months after completing program of study or dropping below six credit hours

        Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans        

  • Non-need based loan
  • Interest begins as soon as the loan is disbursed
  • The student may choose to make payments on the interest only while they are in school or choose to have the interest capitalized
  • Fixed interest rate of 6.8%
  • 1% origination fee 
  • Repayment on the principal begins six months after completing program of study or dropping below six credit hours

Students with questions concerning financial assistance should contact the financial aid office at             419-358-3266.  Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8-5.  Meeting times other than regular business hours can be arranged.  The financial aid office can also be contacted via email at:  finaid@bluffton.edu