Financial aid

In order to be eligible for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, students must be enrolled in a program leading to a graduate degree and must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), listing Bluffton as one of the recipients.  The federal school code for Bluffton is 003016.  Students should apply at www.fafsa.gov. 

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs

Federal Direct Loans are guaranteed low-interest loans for students attending school at least half time. 

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

Graduate and professional students are no longer eligible to receive subsidized loans for loan payment periods that begin on or after July 1, 2012.  Graduate and professional students are still eligible for unsubsidized loans.

           Federal Direct Unsubsidized  Loans          

  • Interest begins as soon as the loan is disbursed
  • The student may choose to make interest only payments while 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 three credit hours

 

Unsubsidized Direct

Program Type

Federal

FAFSA required?

Yes

Fixed Interest Rate

for all loans disbursed after July 1, 2006

Fixed rate of 6.8%

Origination Fee

1%

Loan Maximum per year

$20,500.00
 

Co-signer required?

No

Grace period

6 months

Repayment period

10 years

*Not to exceed cost of education minus any other financial aid received (e.g. employer reimbursement).

It is important to note that students are subject to aggregate (maximum) loan limits. Students who have borrowed at previous institutions must be aware of remaining eligibility according to these aggregates.  To obtain your current student loan debt, log on to your account at www.nslds.ed.gov

Employer assistance

An increasing number of employers provide educational assistance benefits to their employees. Students should check to see if their employer provides such benefits.

General information

Contact us at: 1-800-488-3257 (option 2) or 1-419-358-3266. Personnel in the financial aid office are available to provide an estimate of your financial aid eligibility. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. 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