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Blackburn College

Carlinville, IL·Private nonprofit·341 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. freshman retention is below 65%. 54% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

80%
Accept
341
Students
$21,814
Net Price
52%
Grad Rate
$41,700
Earnings
10 yr
$14,770
Debt

About This School

Blackburn College is a private nonprofit institution located in Carlinville, Illinois with approximately 341 undergraduate students enrolled. Blackburn College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 80%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,814 per year. The graduation rate is 52%, and the typical graduate earns $41,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Blackburn College may refer to:Blackburn College, United Kingdom Blackburn College (Illinois), United States

The numbers tell a mixed story here — the $14,770 median debt is refreshingly low, and the net price of around $22K/year is reasonable for a private college, but a 52% graduation rate and 58% freshman retention rate suggest many students either struggle to finish or leave before getting the chance. Worth considering if you're drawn to the small, tight-knit campus feel and have a clear plan to stay on track, but the $41,700 median earnings 10 years out is modest, so go in with realistic expectations about the financial return.

Founded
1837
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Education23%
Business & Marketing19%
Biological Sciences10%
Visual & Performing Arts10%
English6%
Computer Science4%
Health Professions1%
Psychology1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Mark KirkMary Hunter AustinBruce Pavitt

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite20

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$26,758
Out-of-State Tuition
$26,758
Avg Net Price
$21,814
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants54%
Median debt at graduation$14,770

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
52%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
58%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,770
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,770
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$29,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White72%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino10%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (341 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Blackburn College

700 College Ave

Carlinville, IL 62626

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Illinois

Browse all Illinois schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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