Riley Creek winds through the middle of Bluffton University's campus, past its own nature preserve, on the edge of a small village in north-west Ohio. Mennonites founded the university in 1899, and it still follows that tradition, with a strong emphasis on peace, service and community. It's small, and the classes are too. Business, education, social work and dietetics are among the popular programmes.
Bluffton, Ohio, United States
Official website: bluffton.edu
1899
Mennonite Church USA
Private liberal arts university
$36,000 – $40,000
All students, tuition before scholarships
$11,000 – $13,500
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on bluffton.edu before you apply.
BA Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
BA Social Work
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
BA Food and Nutrition (Dietetics)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
BA Early Childhood Education
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
A Mennonite tradition of peace and service.
A campus nature preserve along Riley Creek.
Small classes where staff know students by name.
Graduates work in schools, social services, healthcare and business in Ohio.
Many spend time in service or volunteer placements before starting careers.
F-1 graduates can apply for OPT after their degree.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Limited
Postgrad
No PG intake
Bluffton is a village of a few thousand people off Interstate 75, between Lima and Findlay. Campus and the small downtown are a short walk apart.
Toledo is about an hour north, and Columbus is closer to two hours. Costs are low, and nearly every student lives on campus.
Form I-20 issued by Bluffton University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Bluffton reviews applications on a rolling basis. International students should apply by spring for August entry, which leaves time for the I-20 and visa.
Most students start in August, with a smaller January intake.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from Bluffton University first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Business administration, social work, dietetics and education are popular. Entry is based on school grades and English at around TOEFL 70 or IELTS 6.0.
Bluffton gives merit scholarships to most admitted students, including international students. Ask admissions about awards specific to international applicants.
