You can’t afford to risk your future on a degree that doesn’t work. And with Blackburn College’s tuition already among the lowest of all private, four-year, residential colleges in Illinois, you won’t. When you add in our unique Work Program providing tuition credit, you get a degree you actually can afford and the future you’ve earned.

The transformative Blackburn experience begins the day you enter campus. You’ll become a valued leader in creating the Blackburn culture while developing invaluable professional skills and enjoying a rich and joyful college life. And, it’s not because you’re paying the highest tuition and fees. It’s because we believe a good college education should be attainable for anyone who aspires to pursue it.

We firmly believe that a rich, diverse student population is the lifeblood of our school. Our nationally acclaimed Work Program plays a vital role in bringing a socially, culturally, and economically diverse, and inclusive population to our campus each year.

At Blackburn, there are no “out of state” fees, tuition is the same whether you’re from Illinois or another state. And, our Office of Financial Aid works tirelessly to find the optimal tuition arrangement for your unique situation. We work with students, families, the state of Illinois, the federal government, and even private sources and endowments to uncover merit and need-based financial solutions.

The reality of college tuition can be challenging. That’s why our faculty and staff work incredibly hard to ensure that your time and your money are well spent. By integrating learning, work, and service, we’re able to align your work duties with your academic goals. This creates as efficient a learning and skill gathering college experience as possible. This is your head start.

Financial Aid

Our Office of Financial Aid works with everyone—students, families, state and federal grant programs, and even private sources and endowments—to continue being one of the most affordable private, four-year liberal arts colleges in Illinois.

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Tuition & Fees

There are no “out of state” fees at Blackburn College. Tuition is the same whether you’re from Illinois or another state. Your direct costs are already lower here than on many comparable campuses. Add in thousands of dollars in work credit, and college becomes attainable.

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33%

First-Generation Students

Students who are the first person in their immediate family to attend college.

$4.9M

Financial Aid Awarded

Blackburn provides substantial assistance including grants, scholarships, Work Program tuition credit, and more.

52%

Pell-Eligible Students

Students who demonstrate exceptional need and qualify to receive Federal Pell Grants.

Experience Blackburn for Yourself

To see the beauty of our campus’ natural ecosystems and learn the charms of our picturesque small-town setting, you have to experience it. Connect with us, discover our unique work program culture, and engage in a vision for what your future could become.

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