At $17,430/yr net price, Bluffton University graduates earn $49,547/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,547/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,430 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $69,720 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,547/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,547/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,521/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,667/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,013/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,361/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,482/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,995 | $37,330 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,153 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $36,077 | $27,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $33,637 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
The Risk Factor
49.5% of students at Bluffton University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Bluffton University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $49,547 ten years after graduation and a troubling 49.5% graduation rate, you face significant odds of either not finishing or earning below-average wages.
Business Administration offers the strongest earning potential at $58,000 annually, but comes with $37,330 in debt that undermines the financial advantage. The second Business Administration track pays just $39,153 with $27,000 in debt, creating a barely positive return. Health and Physical Education graduates earn only $36,077, making the $27,000 debt burden particularly problematic given the low salaries in education and fitness fields.
The 67% retention rate signals that many students struggle academically or financially, increasing your risk of leaving with debt but no degree. The low graduation rate compounds this risk, meaning you have roughly a 50-50 chance of completing your program.
Bluffton works financially only if you receive substantial merit aid that drives your net cost well below the $17,430 average. The school awards aid to just 37% of students, limiting opportunities for cost reduction. You should consider Bluffton only if you qualify for significant scholarships or plan to pursue the higher-paying Business Administration track.
Students considering education, social work, or other helping professions should look elsewhere given the poor earnings-to-debt ratios. The regional job market in northwestern Ohio offers limited high-paying opportunities, making it harder to justify the investment unless you plan to relocate after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bluffton University worth the cost?
Bluffton University offers reasonable value with a net price of $17,430 annually and median debt of $27,000. However, the 49.5% graduation rate means half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who leave with debt but no degree.
What are the highest paying majors at Bluffton University?
Business Administration graduates earn the most at around $58,000, while other business programs like Accounting and Human Resources average $38,000. Health and Physical Education graduates typically earn $36,000, which is below the national average for college graduates.
How much debt do Bluffton University graduates have?
The median debt load is $27,000, which is manageable compared to national averages. With average earnings of $49,547 ten years after graduation, most graduates can handle this debt level if they complete their degree.
What is Bluffton University's graduation rate?
Only 49.5% of students graduate from Bluffton University, meaning more than half drop out before finishing. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor for prospective students, as leaving without a degree while carrying debt creates poor financial outcomes.