University enrolls largest class in six years
Bluffton University has enrolled its highest number of first-year students since 2013-14. The first-year class of 250 also has an average GPA of 3.26 and the average ACT score of 21.
“Bluffton is thrilled to enroll our largest class in six years and to have the largest number of international students on campus since 2003," said Robin Bowlus, vice president for enrollment management and marketing.
"It is an exciting time on campus and a true joy to walk alongside our students as they prepare for their life and vocation.”
Twenty-five percent of students in the first-year class are considered underrepresented, an increase from 19 percent the previous year. The first-year cohort also includes seven international students for a total of 25 international students on campus, the highest number since 2003.
Nineteen transfer students are enrolled this fall, coming from five states—including Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
“Bluffton’s alumni and friends are the top influencers for students coming to Bluffton,” said Bowlus. “Their passion and excitement for their Bluffton experience is helping Bluffton’s story reach students who are looking for a university that will help them discovery their greater purpose.”
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Friday, October 16, 2026
- Production offers a modern take on the story of St. Clare of Assisi
- Bluffton volleyball edged in 5 by Van Buren
- Pirate girls soccer tie O-G
- October 16 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Bluffton Council recap: Officers honored for 25 years of service
- Bluffton Clean Up teams up with Troop 3256 Cub Scouts
- Ada FFA: Feeding the Farmers
- Nov. 7 Fall Community Day at Bluffton University
- Quarry Farm Nature Preserve news for Fall 2026
Thursday, October 15, 2026
- DeWine announces $200M Rural Health Transformation program award
- Herb program with Marge Lafollette, Oct. 15
- Prairie seeding activity at Bluffton University, October 24
- Food for thought: Choline for the brain
- Results for 5K on October 2, Bluffton University Homecoming event
- 15 minutes with Sherry Miller, senior center activities coordinator
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 14
- CANCELLED Main St. closure on October 15
- Frederick Clyde Warren founded True-2-Form Plastics
- Pirate boys soccer beats Wapak in regular season finale
- Pirate girls soccer defeats Liberty Center
- Mennonite pastor to explore ‘good news’ in creation
- Bluffton University earns recognition in U.S. News & World Report rankings
- Obituary for Deborah "Debbie" Welch, 74
- Spirits and exorcism presentation during University Spiritual Life Week Forum
- Dodging bullets: Bluffton oral history 90+ years after Dillinger robbery
- Nora Matthews named BHS Student of the Month for September 2026
- ICAPP analysis on charter status and local autonomy
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 13
- Bluffton area Women in Business meeting October 15
- Leo club glasses collection
- Night at the (Swiss Historical) Museum, October 24
- Woodcarving ornament workshop at Swiss Heritage Center
- Barefoot nature walks at the Nature Preserve
- Pirate volleyball seeded 4th
- Beavers sports roundup, October 6-11
- Bluffton leaf pickup scheduled for last week of October
- Pirate boys soccer shuts out Bellefontaine
- Watch an after school movie at the Bluffton Public Library
- Dunlap awarded OSBA humanitarian award