Blackburn College

School Overview

Blackburn College is located in Carlinville, IL, 62626, set within a rural environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #23 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

With an acceptance rate of 64%, Blackburn College offers a realistic pathway for students who have maintained a consistent academic record throughout high school. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 880-1020 and ACT scores of 14-30. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.4.

With just 384 undergraduates, Blackburn College provides an intimate academic setting where small class sizes and close faculty mentorship are central to the student experience. The student-to-faculty ratio is 7:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 43%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Blackburn College include Education (24% of students), Biological and Biomedical Sciences (19% of students, median early-career salary: $63,009), and Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (17% of students, median early-career salary: $49,345). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

The published tuition and fees are $29,420 per year. Room and board adds approximately $10,400. However, the average net price after financial aid is $23,763, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $29,319 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Blackburn College's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Blackburn College combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Blackburn College is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.