Blackburn College
Learn. Work. Lead. Thrive.
📍 Carlinville, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #20 in United States
Quick Facts about Blackburn College
- Type: Private Non-Profit
- Students: 382
- Campus: Rural
- Tuition: $29,420 – $29,420/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
- Intakes: August, January
About Blackburn College
Blackburn College, located in Carlinville, Illinois, is a private, four-year institution with a strong liberal arts focus. Established in 1837, it is unique as one of only a few federally recognized work colleges in the United States, and the only one with an entirely student-managed work program. This distinctive approach allows students to gain valuable work experience and leadership skills while also contributing to the affordability of their education.
Academics
Blackburn College offers a diverse range of undergraduate degrees across 35 majors within 20 broad fields of study. Popular majors include Business, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies, and Elementary Education. The college emphasizes a hands-on learning approach, integrating practical experience with academic study across its disciplines, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1. Blackburn also provides teacher certification programs in various subjects, including Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education.
International Students
Blackburn College welcomes international students from around the globe, with 1% of its student body comprising international students. The college is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Support services for international students include assistance with the admission process, F-1 student visas, and financial aid. Applicants typically need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
Campus & Location
Blackburn College's 80-acre campus is situated in Carlinville, Illinois, a small, rural community. Carlinville offers a quiet environment conducive to focused study, located approximately an hour north of St. Louis, Missouri. The campus features 13 academic/administrative buildings, 6 residence halls, and various athletic facilities, many of which were co-constructed by students through the Work Program.
Career Outcomes
Blackburn College's unique Work Program plays a significant role in preparing students for their careers by providing practical skills and experience. The career outcome rate for the Class of 2021 was 93%, with 19% of undergraduate students continuing their education in graduate or professional schools. The college's career services assist students with resume preparation, career testing, job interviews, and connecting with alumni. Graduates develop valuable skills such as adaptability, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are highly valued by employers.
Information for International Students at Blackburn College
Blackburn College in Carlinville, United States welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available (~$760/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for Blackburn College
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Blackburn College:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 80
- Duolingo minimum: 120
- GPA minimum: 3.23
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: June 1 for Fall, November 1 for Spring
Programs at Blackburn College (66 programs)
Blackburn College offers 66 programs across Bachelor levels.
Bachelor Programs (66)
- Biology — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr · STEM
Provides a strong foundation in the sciences, preparing students for health-related fields. Graduates can pursue careers in medicine, veterinary science, environmental studies, or biotechnology.
Field: Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Career outcomes: Pre-health professions (medicine, veterinary science), environmental studies, technology - Criminal Justice and Safety Studies — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and other areas of the criminal justice system. Graduates gain knowledge of legal procedures, criminology, and public safety.
Field: Protective Services - Accounting — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on the principles and practices of accounting. Students learn to manage financial records, analyze financial data, and prepare for careers in auditing, taxation, or corporate finance.
Field: Business - Elementary Education — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students to teach in elementary school settings. Graduates learn to create engaging learning environments and foster academic and social development in young students.
Field: Education - Art — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Encourages creativity through various artistic mediums. Students develop skills in areas like painting, sculpture, and digital art, preparing them for careers as artists, designers, or art educators.
Field: Visual & Performing Arts - Business Administration — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on entrepreneurship, management, and marketing with real-world application. Students gain skills to lead organizations, develop business strategies, and manage various business functions.
Field: Business, Management & Marketing - Communications — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on effective communication skills and media studies. Students learn to analyze and create messages for diverse audiences, preparing them for careers in public relations, journalism, or marketing.
Field: Communications & Journalism - Early Childhood Education — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students for teaching careers in early childhood settings. Graduates learn child development, curriculum design, and classroom management to educate young children.
Field: Education - History — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Explores past events and their impact on the present. Students develop critical thinking and research skills, preparing them for careers in education, archives, or public policy.
Field: Humanities - Business Management — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Provides skills and operations of the business industry, including accountancy, finance, and marketing. Graduates are prepared for management roles across various sectors.
Field: Business - Computer Science — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr · STEM
Teaches how to use computational processes to program computer operating systems and build websites. Graduates can pursue careers as cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, or web developers.
Field: Computer & Information Sciences
Career outcomes: Cybersecurity specialist, data scientist, web developer - Creative Writing — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on developing writing skills in various creative forms. Students learn to craft compelling narratives, poetry, and scripts, preparing them for careers as authors, editors, or content creators.
Field: Humanities - Drama and Theatre Production — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on the practical and theoretical aspects of theatre and drama. Students develop skills in acting, directing, stagecraft, and production, preparing them for careers in performing arts.
Field: Visual & Performing Arts - Educational Studies — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on the theoretical and foundational aspects of education. This program prepares students for roles in educational policy, research, or non-profit organizations.
Field: Education - Education — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students for teaching careers with an emphasis on pedagogical theory and classroom practice. Graduates are equipped to teach in elementary, secondary, and special education settings.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Teaching careers in elementary, secondary, and special education - English and Speech Teacher Education — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students to teach English and speech in secondary education. Graduates gain expertise in literary analysis, communication theory, and pedagogical methods for high school students.
Field: Education - English — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on literature, language, and critical analysis. Students develop strong analytical and communication skills, preparing them for diverse careers in writing, editing, or education.
Field: Humanities - Health Service Preparatory Studies — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr · STEM
Prepares students for further study in various health professions. This program provides the foundational science and clinical knowledge required for medical, dental, or veterinary school.
Field: Health Professions - Literature — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
In-depth study of literary works and critical theory. Students enhance their analytical, interpretive, and writing skills, preparing them for careers in publishing, education, or cultural institutions.
Field: Humanities - Foreign Language Teacher Education — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students to teach foreign languages. Graduates develop proficiency in a target language and learn effective teaching strategies for language acquisition.
Field: Education - Legal Studies — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Provides a foundation in legal principles and the justice system. This program prepares students for paralegal roles, further legal education, or careers in law-related fields.
Field: Humanities - Graphic Design — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on visual communication and design principles. Students develop skills in digital illustration, typography, and layout, preparing them for careers in advertising, web design, or branding.
Field: Visual & Performing Arts - Liberal Arts and Humanities — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
A broad interdisciplinary program focusing on critical thinking and communication skills. Graduates develop a versatile skillset applicable to a wide range of careers in various sectors.
Field: Humanities - Medical Laboratory Technician — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr · STEM
Trains students in laboratory procedures for diagnosing and treating diseases. Graduates are prepared for roles in clinical laboratories, performing tests and analyzing samples.
Field: Health Professions - Human Resources — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on managing an organization's employees. Students learn about recruitment, training, compensation, and employee relations, preparing them for HR roles in various industries.
Field: Business - Mathematics — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr · STEM
Provides a strong foundation in mathematical concepts and problem-solving. Graduates develop analytical skills applicable to careers in finance, data analysis, engineering, or education.
Field: Science, Technology, and Math - Music History and Literature — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Explores the historical development and theoretical aspects of music. Students gain a deep understanding of musical traditions and critical analysis, preparing them for careers in musicology, archives, or arts administration.
Field: Humanities - Marketing — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on the strategies and practices of promoting products and services. Students learn market research, branding, and digital marketing, preparing them for careers in advertising, sales, or public relations.
Field: Business - Music Performance — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on developing musical talent and performance skills. Students receive intensive training in their chosen instrument or voice, preparing them for careers as professional musicians or educators.
Field: Visual & Performing Arts - Mathematics Teacher Education — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students to teach mathematics in secondary education. Graduates gain a deep understanding of mathematical principles and effective pedagogical strategies for high school students.
Field: Education - Performing Arts — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Encompasses various forms of performance, including music, dance, and theatre. Students develop diverse artistic skills and stage presence, preparing them for careers in entertainment, education, or arts management.
Field: Visual & Performing Arts - Medical Technician — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr · STEM
Provides training for various technical roles in healthcare settings. Graduates assist medical professionals with patient care, equipment operation, and diagnostic procedures.
Field: Health Professions - Physical Education Teaching and Coaching — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students for careers in physical education and athletic coaching. Graduates learn about exercise science, sports psychology, and instructional methods to promote health and fitness.
Field: Education - Biology — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr · STEM
Provides a strong foundation in the sciences, preparing students for health-related fields. Graduates can pursue careers in medicine, veterinary science, environmental studies, or biotechnology.
Field: Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Career outcomes: Pre-health professions (medicine, veterinary science), environmental studies, technology - Criminal Justice and Safety Studies — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and other areas of the criminal justice system. Graduates gain knowledge of legal procedures, criminology, and public safety.
Field: Protective Services - Accounting — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on the principles and practices of accounting. Students learn to manage financial records, analyze financial data, and prepare for careers in auditing, taxation, or corporate finance.
Field: Business - Elementary Education — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students to teach in elementary school settings. Graduates learn to create engaging learning environments and foster academic and social development in young students.
Field: Education - Art — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Encourages creativity through various artistic mediums. Students develop skills in areas like painting, sculpture, and digital art, preparing them for careers as artists, designers, or art educators.
Field: Visual & Performing Arts - Business Administration — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on entrepreneurship, management, and marketing with real-world application. Students gain skills to lead organizations, develop business strategies, and manage various business functions.
Field: Business, Management & Marketing - Communications — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on effective communication skills and media studies. Students learn to analyze and create messages for diverse audiences, preparing them for careers in public relations, journalism, or marketing.
Field: Communications & Journalism - Early Childhood Education — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students for teaching careers in early childhood settings. Graduates learn child development, curriculum design, and classroom management to educate young children.
Field: Education - History — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Explores past events and their impact on the present. Students develop critical thinking and research skills, preparing them for careers in education, archives, or public policy.
Field: Humanities - Business Management — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Provides skills and operations of the business industry, including accountancy, finance, and marketing. Graduates are prepared for management roles across various sectors.
Field: Business - Computer Science — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr · STEM
Teaches how to use computational processes to program computer operating systems and build websites. Graduates can pursue careers as cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, or web developers.
Field: Computer & Information Sciences
Career outcomes: Cybersecurity specialist, data scientist, web developer - Creative Writing — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on developing writing skills in various creative forms. Students learn to craft compelling narratives, poetry, and scripts, preparing them for careers as authors, editors, or content creators.
Field: Humanities - Drama and Theatre Production — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on the practical and theoretical aspects of theatre and drama. Students develop skills in acting, directing, stagecraft, and production, preparing them for careers in performing arts.
Field: Visual & Performing Arts - Educational Studies — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on the theoretical and foundational aspects of education. This program prepares students for roles in educational policy, research, or non-profit organizations.
Field: Education - Education — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students for teaching careers with an emphasis on pedagogical theory and classroom practice. Graduates are equipped to teach in elementary, secondary, and special education settings.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Teaching careers in elementary, secondary, and special education - English and Speech Teacher Education — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students to teach English and speech in secondary education. Graduates gain expertise in literary analysis, communication theory, and pedagogical methods for high school students.
Field: Education - English — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on literature, language, and critical analysis. Students develop strong analytical and communication skills, preparing them for diverse careers in writing, editing, or education.
Field: Humanities - Health Service Preparatory Studies — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr · STEM
Prepares students for further study in various health professions. This program provides the foundational science and clinical knowledge required for medical, dental, or veterinary school.
Field: Health Professions - Literature — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
In-depth study of literary works and critical theory. Students enhance their analytical, interpretive, and writing skills, preparing them for careers in publishing, education, or cultural institutions.
Field: Humanities - Foreign Language Teacher Education — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students to teach foreign languages. Graduates develop proficiency in a target language and learn effective teaching strategies for language acquisition.
Field: Education - Legal Studies — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Provides a foundation in legal principles and the justice system. This program prepares students for paralegal roles, further legal education, or careers in law-related fields.
Field: Humanities - Graphic Design — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on visual communication and design principles. Students develop skills in digital illustration, typography, and layout, preparing them for careers in advertising, web design, or branding.
Field: Visual & Performing Arts - Liberal Arts and Humanities — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
A broad interdisciplinary program focusing on critical thinking and communication skills. Graduates develop a versatile skillset applicable to a wide range of careers in various sectors.
Field: Humanities - Medical Laboratory Technician — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr · STEM
Trains students in laboratory procedures for diagnosing and treating diseases. Graduates are prepared for roles in clinical laboratories, performing tests and analyzing samples.
Field: Health Professions - Human Resources — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on managing an organization's employees. Students learn about recruitment, training, compensation, and employee relations, preparing them for HR roles in various industries.
Field: Business - Mathematics — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr · STEM
Provides a strong foundation in mathematical concepts and problem-solving. Graduates develop analytical skills applicable to careers in finance, data analysis, engineering, or education.
Field: Science, Technology, and Math - Music History and Literature — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Explores the historical development and theoretical aspects of music. Students gain a deep understanding of musical traditions and critical analysis, preparing them for careers in musicology, archives, or arts administration.
Field: Humanities - Marketing — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on the strategies and practices of promoting products and services. Students learn market research, branding, and digital marketing, preparing them for careers in advertising, sales, or public relations.
Field: Business - Music Performance — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Focuses on developing musical talent and performance skills. Students receive intensive training in their chosen instrument or voice, preparing them for careers as professional musicians or educators.
Field: Visual & Performing Arts - Mathematics Teacher Education — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students to teach mathematics in secondary education. Graduates gain a deep understanding of mathematical principles and effective pedagogical strategies for high school students.
Field: Education - Performing Arts — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Encompasses various forms of performance, including music, dance, and theatre. Students develop diverse artistic skills and stage presence, preparing them for careers in entertainment, education, or arts management.
Field: Visual & Performing Arts - Medical Technician — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr · STEM
Provides training for various technical roles in healthcare settings. Graduates assist medical professionals with patient care, equipment operation, and diagnostic procedures.
Field: Health Professions - Physical Education Teaching and Coaching — 48 months · English · $26,758/yr
Prepares students for careers in physical education and athletic coaching. Graduates learn about exercise science, sports psychology, and instructional methods to promote health and fitness.
Field: Education
Scholarships & Tuition at Blackburn College
Annual tuition for international students: $29,420 – $29,420/year
✅ Blackburn College offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Blackburn College
- National Ranking: #20 in United States
- Ranking tier: Research University
Campus & Facilities at Blackburn College
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Rural
- Average class size: 15
- Housing cost: ~$760/month
Key Highlights
- Federally recognized work college
- Student-managed work program
- Affordable education through work
- Hands-on learning, 9:1 ratio
- Students built campus facilities
- Rural setting, close to St. Louis
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission
- Illinois State Board of Education
Notable Alumni
- Mary Hunter Austin
- Anthony Beale
- Robert H. Michel
- James L. Hart
- William H. McMaster
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackburn College
What is Blackburn College?
Blackburn College is a private non-profit university located in Carlinville, United States. It has approximately 382 students.
How much does it cost to study at Blackburn College?
Tuition fees at Blackburn College for international students range from $29,420 – $29,420/year. Student housing costs approximately $760/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Blackburn College?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 80. Duolingo minimum: 120. GPA minimum: 3.23. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: June 1 for Fall, November 1 for Spring.
What language are courses taught in at Blackburn College?
Courses at Blackburn College are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does Blackburn College offer?
Blackburn College offers 66 programs: 66 Bachelor's, 0 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Blackburn College ranked?
#20 in United States.
Does Blackburn College offer scholarships?
Yes, Blackburn College offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Blackburn College provide visa support?
Yes, Blackburn College provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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