Blackburn College: 64.4% Acceptance Rate

64.4%Acceptance

$26,758Tuition

341Students

52%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$46,802Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Presbyterian Church (USA)

About Blackburn College

Every student at Blackburn College works on campus through the college's unique work program that helps offset educational costs. This distinctive approach sets the 341-student liberal arts college apart in the small town of Carlinville, Illinois. The work program isn't just about earning money, it teaches responsibility and gives students real-world experience while building community connections. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students personally and can provide mentorship that extends beyond the classroom.

Students pay an average net price of $21,814 after financial aid, making this private college surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $46,802 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $24,242. The monthly loan payment of $257 represents a manageable burden given earning potential. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to serving working-class families.

The Battlin' Beavers compete in 15 NCAA Division III sports with 157 total athletes. Campus housing accommodates 449 students, creating a close-knit residential experience where most of the 77% in-state student body lives together. The 52% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges some students face, but the 96% employment rate shows strong career preparation for those who complete their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Blackburn operates as a small liberal arts college where every student participates in the mandatory work program, earning money toward tuition through on-campus jobs. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. However, the 43% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to complete their degrees. The work program, which requires 10-15 hours weekly, teaches practical skills while reducing educational costs but can extend time to graduation. Students gain real workplace experience in areas like food service, maintenance, and administrative support. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and personal responsibility through this unique blend of academics and mandatory employment.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 74.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 43.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 52.4%
Retention Rate: 57.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $46,802
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$40,456
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$33,993
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$33,138

View all 41 programs →

Campus Life

Every student at Blackburn works 10-15 hours per week in campus jobs ranging from cafeteria service to groundskeeping, helping offset the $36,378 total cost. This work program creates a tight-knit community where classmates become coworkers. With just 341 students and a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll recognize almost everyone on campus within your first semester.

Carlinville sits in central Illinois farm country, about an hour from Springfield and two hours from St. Louis. You'll definitely need a winter coat for the snowy months and layers for the humid summers. The campus housing accommodates 449 students, meaning most undergraduates live on campus in residence halls. Weekend activities center around the 15 NCAA Division III sports teams, especially supporting the Battlin' Beavers basketball and soccer programs. Students often gather in the campus center or head to nearby parks for outdoor activities. The Presbyterian heritage shapes some campus traditions, though the college welcomes students of all backgrounds. With 77.59% of students from Illinois, many go home on occasional weekends, but campus life stays active with intramural sports and student organization events.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 449 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1837

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	1	1	0	0
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–35°F
July Avg: 65°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.1"
Annual Snowfall: 16.4"

Student Demographics

Blackburn draws mostly Illinois students who value hands-on learning and affordability. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to making education accessible through its unique work program. The student body is predominantly white but includes growing Hispanic representation. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize education and social work programs. Students here tend to be practical-minded, willing to work campus jobs to reduce their debt load while earning a degree.

Men: 45.2%
Women: 54.8%
White: 71.6%
Black: 4.7%
Hispanic: 10.0%
Asian: 0.9%
In-State Students: 77.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 54.4%

Location

Blackburn College sits in Carlinville, Illinois, roughly 60 miles northeast of St. Louis. The campus occupies a small town of about 5,400 residents in central Illinois farm country. Carlinville's historic courthouse square and tree-lined residential streets create a classic Midwest college town atmosphere. The surrounding Macoupin County features rolling prairie farmland and rural communities typical of downstate Illinois. With 77.59% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with the region's agricultural character and small-town pace. The nearest major shopping and entertainment options require a drive to Springfield or St. Louis. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Blackburn College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Carlinville, Illinois 62626

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $46,802
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,562
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 55.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $257/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,242

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Blackburn College?

Blackburn College accepts 64.37% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small liberal arts school. The college attracts students who want a close-knit community where everyone participates in the unique work program.

How much does Blackburn College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,814 annually, less than the sticker price of $36,378. The college's distinctive work program helps students earn money while attending classes, reducing their overall financial burden.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Blackburn College?

The student-faculty ratio is 9:1, ensuring small classes and personal attention from professors. With only 341 students total, Blackburn offers an intimate academic environment where students can't hide in the back of lecture halls.

What percentage of Blackburn College graduates find employment?

An impressive 96.2% of graduates are employed, likely benefiting from the practical work experience gained through the campus work program. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,802 ten years after graduation, reflecting solid career preparation despite the college's small size.

Where is Blackburn College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Carlinville, Illinois, a small town setting where the 341 students form a tight-knit community. With housing for 449 students and 15 varsity sports teams competing as the Battlin' Beavers, campus life revolves around the work program that makes every student an active contributor to college operations.

How does Blackburn College's work program actually function?

Every student works on campus as part of their education, helping maintain everything from dining services to grounds keeping. This Presbyterian-affiliated college founded in 1837 has built its identity around this program, where 54.40% of students receive Pell Grants and graduate with a median debt of just $24,242.