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Last updated: May 31, 2026

Blackburn College

United States · Carlinville

Blackburn College

Private School
United States
Country
Carlinville
City
414
Total Students
Private
Status
About the University

Blackburn College overview

Blackburn College is a private liberal arts college in Carlinville, Illinois, with a distinctive approach. Founded in 1837, it is among the oldest educational institutions in Illinois. The campus is known for its old architecture and wide green areas, a scenic setting for its academic and residential buildings. Blackburn offers a broad selection of undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences, social sciences, and professional courses. Liberal arts education carries particular emphasis at the college.

Blackburn is known for its low student-to-faculty ratio, which allows individual instruction and close contact between students and instructors.

The student-managed Work Program sets Blackburn College apart, and it is one of the few programs of its kind in the United States. Every residential student must complete a set number of hours each week in a campus job as part of the program. This helps lower the cost of tuition and gives students practical skills and work experience. Students take part in campus activities that cover administrative tasks as well as maintenance duties. Their involvement builds a distinctive sense of community and accountability.

The work-learning model aims to give students academic knowledge together with the skills to meet real-world issues after college.

Beyond its academic programs, Blackburn College offers a lively student experience through many clubs, organizations, and sports teams. The college competes in NCAA Division III athletics, with sports including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and cross country. Cultural events, community service activities, and leadership development programs are essential parts of student life. The college puts first the growth of versatile people who can make constructive contributions to society.

Blackburn's commitment to a broad and encouraging atmosphere makes it a place where students from many backgrounds can grow personally and intellectually.

About the University

About Blackburn College

Blackburn College is a private liberal arts college in Carlinville, Illinois, and it works in a distinctive way. The college began in 1837, which places it among the oldest educational institutions in Illinois. Its old architecture and wide green areas give the academic and residential buildings a scenic setting. Blackburn offers a broad selection of undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences, social sciences, and professional courses. The college places particular emphasis on liberal arts education.

It is known for a low student-to-faculty ratio, which supports individual instruction and close contact between you and your instructors.

Blackburn College stands out for its student-managed Work Program, one of the few programs of its kind in the United States. If you live on campus, you must work a set number of hours each week in a campus position. This helps lower the cost of tuition and gives you practical skills and work experience. Students take part in campus activities that run from administrative tasks to maintenance duties. That shared effort builds a distinctive sense of community and accountability.

The work-learning model aims to give you academic knowledge and the skills to meet the real-world issues you will face after college.

Alongside its academic programs, Blackburn College offers a lively student experience through many clubs, organizations, and sports teams. The college competes in NCAA Division III athletics, with sports including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and cross country. Cultural events, community service activities, and leadership development programs are essential parts of that experience. The college puts first the growth of versatile people who can make constructive contributions to society.

Blackburn's commitment to a broad and encouraging atmosphere makes it a place where students from many backgrounds can grow personally and intellectually.

City
Carlinville
Country
United States
Type
Private
Number of Students
414
#35
National Ranking
58
Quality Score
44%
Placement Rate
66%
Acceptance Rate
$ 51,986
5-Year Income
Faculties & Programs

Blackburn College faculties and programs

29 results listed

Game Design

Undergraduate4 Years
$29,420per year

Secondary Education

Undergraduate4 Years
$29,420per year

Accounting

Undergraduate4 Years
$29,420per year

Art

Undergraduate4 Years
$29,420per year

Graphic Design

Undergraduate4 Years
$29,420per year

Art History

Undergraduate4 Years
$29,420per year

Biology

Undergraduate4 Years
$29,420per year

Business Administration

Undergraduate4 Years
$29,420per year

Business Management

Undergraduate4 Years
$29,420per year

Economics

Undergraduate4 Years
$29,420per year
Scholarship Opportunities

Blackburn College scholarships and financial aid

As an international student, you can apply for and receive merit awards and scholarships from Blackburn College and from other organizations to help finance your studies. The information below is a resource for international students planning how to pay for study at Blackburn College. Merit awards from Blackburn College for international students may be partial rather than full scholarships. They are awarded on a combination of outstanding academic achievement, excellent communication skills in English, leadership, volunteerism, and community service.

Merit award consideration is highly competitive, and the number of scholarships available is limited. If you want comprehensive information on the scholarship programs, you can reach them through the links below:

Blackburn College Exam Requirements

Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.

ACT
20
Min. score
Diploma Note
70
Min. score
SAT
1006
Min. score
IELTS
6
Min. score
TOEFL
80
Min. score
Duolingo
120
Min. score
Application Process

How to get into Blackburn College

If you are an international student applying to an undergraduate program at Blackburn College, you must meet the admission requirements listed below.

  • Completion of 12 Years of Basic Education
  • 4-Year High School Diploma
  • High Grade Point Average
  • Official transcripts of the courses you took in 11th and 12th grade
  • Standardized Test Scores (SAT or ACT)
  • Certificate in English Proficiency
    • Certificate in English proficiency from an internationally recognized proficiency test such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test.
  • Personal Statement & Essay

Please note that qualifications from programs such as GCE A-Level, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement are not sufficient for direct admission. If you study within one of these programs, you can request course credits in line with the courses you have taken.

If you are an international student applying to a graduate program at Blackburn College, you must meet the admission requirements listed below.

  • 4-Year Bachelor's Degree Diploma
  • High Grade Point Average
  • Official transcripts of the courses you took during your university education
  • Work experience may be required for certain programs
  • Certificate in English Proficiency
    • Certificate in English proficiency from an internationally recognized proficiency test such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT.
  • A GRE/GMAT exam score may be required, in line with the specific admission requirements of certain programs.

Application Deadlines

OCAK2027
Application deadline
OCAK2027
Application deadline

* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the Blackburn College application process.

Campus

Take a closer look at Blackburn College

The Blackburn College campus in Carlinville, Illinois, joins historic elegance with practical modern facilities. It covers more than 80 acres and is known for its scenic beauty, with abundant greenery and classic collegiate Gothic architecture. Hudson Hall stands out on campus, and its distinctive clock tower marks the college's long heritage. The layout is planned for easy access. Academic buildings, dormitories, and administrative facilities sit close together, so you can walk between them without effort.

Significant amenities include the Lumpkin Learning Commons, a central place for academic resources. The Bothwell Auditorium hosts a range of cultural events and performances.

The residence halls at Blackburn College are built to create a close, cohesive community among students. Each hall has its own character and includes shared areas that encourage social contact and cooperation. The halls come in a range of designs, including conventional dormitory layouts and apartment-style residences, to suit different student tastes and needs. Well-kept lawns and outdoor spaces surround the residential quarters, where you can relax or take part in leisure activities.

The college's commitment to sustainability shows in the campus layout, which includes eco-friendly measures and green areas.

The recreational and sporting facilities on the Blackburn campus cover a wide array of interests and activities. The Dawes Workout Center holds cutting-edge equipment and ample room for individual workouts and wellness programs. The school also has outdoor sports fields and courts, which include facilities for soccer, baseball, tennis, and basketball. Together these give you plenty of options for physical activity and team sports. The grounds mix open expanses with wooded areas, so there are scenic walking trails and quiet places for reflection.

Historic buildings, modern conveniences, and scenic beauty make the Blackburn College campus a refreshing and welcoming place for students and faculty.

Campus Life

Blackburn College is a small liberal arts college in Carlinville, Illinois, and it offers an exceptional and lively campus experience shaped by its student-led work program. The work program is a core part of the student experience: it requires each student to work 10 hours a week in varied positions across the campus. That builds a close, collaborative setting where you study and also help run the college day to day. The jobs cover administrative duties as well as practical maintenance tasks. You gain useful practical skills along with a deep sense of community and accountability.

Outside of work, the campus is busy with student-led activities and clubs. Many clubs and organizations serve a wide array of interests, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and recreational sports. You have plenty of chances to take on leadership roles and join events that build leadership skills and personal growth.

The Blackburn College campus adds to that experience with its scenic location and carefully kept facilities. The college's historic architecture sits alongside contemporary facilities, holding to tradition while making room for progress. The campus is compact, so it is easy to find your way and the community itself feels close. Residential life is an essential part of Blackburn, with several dormitories offering a range of living options. The dining services provide a wide selection of nutritious and varied meal choices for different dietary requirements.

Academic buildings carry state-of-the-art equipment to support your learning, and the library serves as a key hub for study and research. You can also use recreational amenities such as athletic fields and fitness centers to keep an active, healthy lifestyle. The scenic landscape and these amenities together create a nurturing and immersive setting for students.

Student Profile

Blackburn College has produced many notable alumni in various fields. Some of the best known and most accomplished graduates of Blackburn College include: 

  • Mary Hunter Austin
  • Lois B. DeFleur
  • Frank W. Burton
  • Karl Berning
  • Mark Kirk
  • Truman H. Landon
  • Bruce Pavitt
  • Dennis Phillips
  • David Felmley

Blackburn College Location

Carlinville, United States

Blackburn College Contact

Phone
+1 800 233 3550
Website
https://blackburn.edu
Address
700 College Ave, Carlinville, IL, United States, Illinois

Blackburn College Social Media

Follow the university on its official social media channels:

How to Get Into Blackburn College

01

In your first meeting with a Dream Uni advisor, your academic background, goals, and expectations are analyzed in detail.

02

By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.

03

The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.

Why Blackburn College?

Located in Carlinville, United States, Blackburn College is known for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and remarkably rich history.

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