A college education is one of the most important investments a student will ever make. The questions around how to afford college are always an important part of the college decision process.

Blackburn is committed to making an exceptional, transformational education affordable for all students. We firmly believe that a rich, diverse student population is the lifeblood of our school and hope to bring a socially, culturally, and economically diverse and inclusive population to our campus each year. Blackburn continues to be one of the most affordable private, four-year liberal arts colleges in Illinois. But we don’t stop there – our Office of Financial Aid works tirelessly with students, families, state and federal resources, and even our generous alumni to award millions of dollars in need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships.

Combining our personalized approach to academics and the hands-on experience in our nationally-recognized Work Program, Blackburn is an incredible investment into your personal and professional future.

Blackburn College’s FAFSA School Code: 001639

We encourage you to begin this process as early as possible to ensure that you receive maximum consideration for the aid for which you may qualify. Have questions? Connect with our Admissions and Financial Aid teams. We’re here to help anytime!

33%

First Generation Students

$4.9M

Financial Aid Awarded

52%

Students are Pell-Eligible

Rewarding Academic Achievement

Blackburn automatically awards merit scholarships based on academic performance. Get a preliminary estimate of what type of merit financial aid you might qualify for with our scholarship calculator.

Try the Scholarship Calculator

Estimate Your Aid Options

Get an assist with your initial financial planning. The Net Price Calculator is designed to help first-time college students estimate their financial aid options and see how affordable Blackburn will be.

Use the Net Price Calculator

Essential Consumer Information

Having all the facts and information is important to help you make an informed decision about attending Blackburn. Use our Forms and Resources section to find essential links and paperwork.

Visit Forms and Resources

Your Work Pays Off

All students enrolling in a full-time academic schedule and participating in Blackburn’s nationally renowned work program receive $5,000 of work credit while completing 150 work hours each semester. The tuition work credit will be the first type of financial assistance applied to the student’s financial aid award to assist in meeting financial need.

Read about our Work Program

Four Years, Tuition Free

If you graduated from a Macoupin County (IL) high school, meet admissions requirements, and your family makes $60,000 or less, you may be eligible for the Macoupin Promise. Awarded to new first-time and transfer students, the tuition-free program recognizes the potential of area students and by covering the cost of tuition for four years.

Learn about the Macoupin Promise

Have you filed your FAFSA?

Applying for financial assistance and other than merit-based scholarships begins with filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Step-by-Step FAFSA Application Process

  1. Request a FSA ID, which will be your electronic signature for your FAFSA. A separate and unique FSA ID is required for students and parents (of dependent students). Be sure to keep these FSA IDs as you will need them to file the FAFSA each year, sign federal loan applications, and access your student aid history online.
  2. File the FAFSA after October 1st for the upcoming year. Be sure to include Blackburn College’s school code of 001639.
  3. Once you’ve applied, been accepted, and paid your tuition deposit, you will receive your financial aid package and Blackburn email address. You can access the Blackburn Student Portal to view and accept your financial aid awards with your Blackburn email.
  4. You’re finished!

 

Contact Us

Blackburn College's Office of Financial Aid is here to help! Our team can answer your questions and guide you through the process of finding effective solutions to fund your education.

Connect with us