Bluffton University Admission Requirements

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  • 4 Year
  • Bluffton, OH
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Bluffton University Admission Overview

Bluffton University admission requirements are moderately competitive. Last year Bluffton University admitted 67.2% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.26 GPA (B+) and SAT 860-1130 / ACT 16-22. Bluffton University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Bluffton University Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

67.2%

Admission Standards

Extremely Easy

Applicant Competition

Low

Very Low
Low
Average
High
Very High
Extreme

Admission difficulty for Bluffton University

Acceptance Rate

The Bluffton University acceptance rate is 67.2%. Last year, 2,103 of 3,128 applicants were admitted. That is the 23rd lowest acceptance rate in Ohio.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Bluffton University and can you get accepted?

Bluffton University is a moderately competitive school to get into, admitting a large majority of applicants. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

Bluffton University typically attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.26. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 9% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Bluffton University GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.26

Typical High School Grades

B+

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.26

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at Bluffton University typically have around a 3.26 GPA (B+) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have above average high school grades. Bluffton University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

The school ranks #55 in Ohio for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.3 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.

High school GPA ranges for enrolled Bluffton University freshmen
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness
4.0 12.45% Good
3.75 to 3.99 15.35% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 14.52% Avg +
3.25 to 3.49 12.87% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 13.69% Avg -
2.50 to 2.99 17.02% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 10.37% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 3.73% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

What do these figures mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Bluffton University SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

860-1130

Freshmen who sent SAT

14%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 430
  • Math 430
  • Composite 860
SAT 25th percentile scores for Bluffton University

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 550
  • Math 580
  • Composite 1130
SAT 75th percentile scores for Bluffton University

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at Bluffton University typically score around a 1000 SAT (middle 50% 860–1130) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 40th percentile nationally. Bluffton University ranks #43 in the state of Ohio for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 860 to 1130

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

Bluffton University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 1000 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at Bluffton University
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
1130+ Above 75th >79%
1000 to 1130 Avg + 68%-79%
860 to 1000 Avg - 52%-68%
Below 860 Below mid-50 <52%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Bluffton University ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

16-22

Freshmen reporting ACT

63%

25th Percentile Scores

  • English 13
  • Math 16
  • Composite 16
ACT 25th percentile scores for Bluffton University

75th Percentile Scores

  • English 22
  • Math 25
  • Composite 22
ACT 75th percentile scores for Bluffton University

Average ACT

Incoming testers at Bluffton University typically have around a 19 ACT (mid-50 16–22) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 44th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Bluffton University places #49 among colleges in Ohio for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 16 to 22

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to Bluffton University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 19.0 ACT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at Bluffton University
ACT Score (36 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
22+ Above 75th >79%
19 to 22 Avg + 67%-79%
16 to 19 Avg - 52%-67%
Below 16 Below mid-50 <52%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

High School Class Rank

Class Rank of Admitted Students

59% of Bluffton University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 31% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Bluffton University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 10%
Top 25% of class 31%
Top 50% of class 59%

Data Source, Peterson's Data

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the Bluffton University chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.

Bluffton University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 713 2,414 3,128
Accepted 596 1,507 2,103
Acceptance Rate 84% 62% 67%
Enrolled 62 128 190
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 10% 8% 9%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Bluffton University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Bluffton University application requirements
Requirement Used for Admission
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Recommendations Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Bluffton University is $0. The school is free to apply to.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Bluffton University
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

Bluffton University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 67.2% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.26 GPA (about an B+ average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (860-1130); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=201371.

GPA calculator: Bluffton University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026