A student crossing his arms and smiling in front of Hudson
WHERE FUTURES
RISE RISE

Lead the way to a brighter future today, whether you’re graduating high school, going back to college, or guiding a student through these important decisions.

Students pulling frames covered with bees from a beehive
Your education is bigger than a classroom.

The impact of Blackburn College’s “four-year head start” will carry far into your future. But it starts with the relationships you build all across campus, from peers and professors to your work assignments and social activities. At Blackburn College, learning never stops.

Explore opportunities
Student worker drilling a wooden frame to hang drywall while renovating an office on campus.
This is college -
plus so much more

As the only student-led college work program in the nation, Blackburn not only helps make higher education more affordable, it adds a whole new dimension to the college experience. You also get to develop professional skills that immediately apply to nearly any job after graduation

Discover the difference
Blackburn student, Amaris Charland, posing for a shot at the Ludlum Library. HELP
Intentional. Foundational. Transformational.

You’re not just a part of the student body. You’re a living, breathing part of Blackburn College. We’ve cultivated an inclusive environment where you can find community and belonging. And along with important life and work skills, you’ll forge friendships that last a lifetime.

Learn about Life at BC
Learn
Students pulling frames covered with bees from a beehive
Your education is bigger than a classroom.

The impact of Blackburn College’s “four-year head start” will carry far into your future. But it starts with the relationships you build all across campus, from peers and professors to your work assignments and social activities. At Blackburn College, learning never stops.

Explore opportunities
Work
Student worker drilling a wooden frame to hang drywall while renovating an office on campus.
This is college -
plus so much more

As the only student-led college work program in the nation, Blackburn not only helps make higher education more affordable, it adds a whole new dimension to the college experience. You also get to develop professional skills that immediately apply to nearly any job after graduation

Discover the difference
Experience
Blackburn student, Amaris Charland, posing for a shot at the Ludlum Library. HELP
Intentional. Foundational. Transformational.

You’re not just a part of the student body. You’re a living, breathing part of Blackburn College. We’ve cultivated an inclusive environment where you can find community and belonging. And along with important life and work skills, you’ll forge friendships that last a lifetime.

Learn about Life at BC
Blackburn has truly been life-changing for me, and I will never forget all of the awesome experiences, people, and events I have encountered along the way. It is forever a part of my identity and it has shaped me as an individual in many positive ways. I love it and will always be grateful for what it has given me!

Admissions & Aid

As one of the most affordable private colleges in Illinois, Blackburn is more concerned about your future value than your current net worth. Get a head start on tomorrow by earning a more valuable degree today.

  • Our unique Work Program earns you tuition credits every week.
  • There are no “out of state” fees at Blackburn College, wherever you call home.
  • Our promise is to make a meaningful degree more attainable for you.

LEARN ABOUT ADMISSIONS & AID

 

Visit Blackburn Today

To understand the beauty of our 80-acre campus’ sustainable ecosystems or learn the charms of our rural setting, you have to see it yourself. Connect with one of our dedicated Admissions Counselors and plan your campus visit today!

Schedule a tour

Beavers are Leaders.

With 20+ athletic teams participating in our NCAA and Club Sports programs, we host 100+ athletic events each year, all made possible by the hardest working student body we know. At Blackburn, every Beaver is committed to leading. On the field. In the classroom. In everything. Ready to go to work?

Go Beavers
  • Wide view of Stoddard Hall.

    A Century of Stoddard Hall

    January 09, 2026
  • Blackburn alumni, Chris Horn '84, photographed on the job covering political and social unrest in Colombia. (Photo provided by Chris Horn)

    Capturing Beautiful Moments of Humanity Within Chaos

    January 09, 2026
  • Daniel Lanctot helps a group of farmers in Cambodia tell their story

    Facilitating the True Story

    January 09, 2026
  • January 14
    Wednesday, January 14 2026

    Classes begin

    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • January 14
    Wednesday, January 14 2026

    Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation

    4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • January 19
    Monday, January 19 2026

    MLK Day Observed. Administrative and Academic Offices Closed; No Classes Held

    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wide view of Stoddard Hall.

A Century of Stoddard Hall

January 09, 2026
Blackburn alumni, Chris Horn '84, photographed on the job covering political and social unrest in Colombia. (Photo provided by Chris Horn)

Capturing Beautiful Moments of Humanity Within Chaos

January 09, 2026
Daniel Lanctot helps a group of farmers in Cambodia tell their story

Facilitating the True Story

January 09, 2026
Jan 14
Wednesday, January 14 2026

Classes begin

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Jan 14
Wednesday, January 14 2026

Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Jan 19
Monday, January 19 2026

MLK Day Observed. Administrative and Academic Offices Closed; No Classes Held

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM