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Blackburn College campus

Blackburn College is more than just another four-year institution. It’s your head start on everything else that follows. From academics to campus life to friends and community—our purpose is to help you prepare for life after college. Since 1837, our ideal student is “intelligent, forward-thinking, and forward-looking.” Find your future here.

Located in Carlinville, Illinois, Blackburn College offers the traditional college experience, with so much more. You get the benefits of an easy-going small town. The engaging academic community, social life, and activities of a college campus. And, you get the real-life, ready-for-the-workforce skills unique to Blackburn!

Accepts first-year applicationsMidwestPrivateRuralSmall (2,000 and under)Co-Ed

Academic programs

  • Science
  • Technology
  • Business
  • Education
  • Nursing
  • Communication
  • Music
  • Art & Design
  • Economics
  • Finance/Accounting
  • Government/Political Science
  • Health Science
  • Performing Arts
  • Social Science
  • Visual Arts
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science

Student experience

  • Athletics
  • Co-op/Internship Opportunities
  • Disability Services
  • Intramural/Club Sports
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • Military/Veteran Services
  • On-Campus Housing
  • Study Abroad

Application information

First-year

The admissions process consists of a holistic review of every student’s application. Many factors are considered in the selection of an applicant, including a properly completed application, and official academic records. Blackburn is test-optional. In addition to these components, we value extracurricular and co-curricular activities (e.g. music ensembles, athletics, theatre), community service, character and personal qualities. Academic preparation as demonstrated through yearly improvement through your high school or college career will also be considered when evaluating an applicant’s file. All factors weigh in with regard to admissions decisions in order for us to evaluate the complete student.

Transfer

Blackburn accepts coursework from all regionally accredited institutions, including almost all community colleges and four-year colleges and universities. Students may transfer up to 92 semester hours, with the final 30 semester hours for graduation taken at Blackburn. 

  • Send your official college transcript(s) and final high school transcript/GED score
  • Transcripts will be evaluated individually for transferable credit
  • Blackburn does not accept proficiencies earned at other institutions

Additional information

Our Work Program stands alone. Among the 10 recognized Work Colleges in the country, only ours is exclusively managed by students. We match students’ academics with on-campus work roles, providing tuition credits for their weekly hours of work. And, we prepare them with real-world work experience worth far more.
More about the the only student managed Work Program in the world! 

Visit us

Get to know us and learn first-hand why Blackburn is a place where students rise together. Explore our beautiful and welcoming campus, learn about our engaging academics and student life, and most importantly, find out how you can pursue your passions and get a four-year head start on your future.

Our campus visits take place Monday through Friday and are the best opportunities to feel what campus life is like throughout the year. Each visit includes a meeting with a dedicated Admission Staff member, a meeting with our unique Work Program leadership, and a personalized tour of campus.
Learn More!