Announcement from Bluffton University

Bluffton University and University of Findlay are actively working towards a Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Change of Control application with anticipated submission in May 2025.

Per federal regulations released in 2023, the higher education merger process is completed in multiple phases. While both institutions originally anticipated merger completion by Fall 2025, these updated regulations extend the timeline.

After the Change of Control application is submitted, both institutions enter an interim period, during which they will continue to plan the alignment that will occur post-merger. During this time, neither Bluffton nor Findlay can make any substantive changes to Bluffton curriculum or programs and Bluffton students continue their current educational pathways.

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Once Change of Control is approved, University of Findlay becomes financially and legally responsible for Bluffton University’s assets and liabilities. Bluffton will continue to carry its own HLC accreditation and will maintain its own enrollment and financial aid processes.

Following additional rounds of approval from regulators, University of Findlay and Bluffton University will become merged into one legally accredited institution on two campuses. The timeline for these approvals is not yet determined and ultimately set by the U.S. Department of Education, HLC and ODHE.

Both institutions are committed to working in collaboration with all regulating bodies as per their requirements and will provide dates for merger milestones only after confirmation from regulators.

More information about the proposed merger can be found at www.findlayblufftonfuture.com/