Three students on Butler Rock
WHERE DREAMS
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 18 athletic teams participating in our NCAA Division III 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
  • Blackburn Athletics Coach Lauren Dunn Head Clay Target Coach

    Blackburn Names 17-Time All-American and National Championship Coach Lauren Dunn to Lead New Clay Target Program

    October 22, 2025
  • Blackburn Athletics Announcing Clay Target Coming Soon...

    Blackburn to Launch Clay Target Competitive Club Sport in 2026

    October 17, 2025
  • Blackburn ranks as a Best Regional College Midwest and Top 10 Performer in Social Mobility in US News 2026 Best Colleges Guide

    Blackburn Named to U.S. News’ “Best Regional Colleges Midwest” List, Earns Top-Ten Ranking for Social Mobility

    September 30, 2025
  • October 25
    Saturday, October 25 2025

    Celebrating the Life of Dr. Shelly Peffer

    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • November 07
    Friday, November 7 2025

    Petronel Malan, Grammy Nominated Pianist (ISMTA Conference)

    4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
  • November 11
    Tuesday, November 11 2025

    Veterans Day Convocation

    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Blackburn Athletics Coach Lauren Dunn Head Clay Target Coach

Blackburn Names 17-Time All-American and National Championship Coach Lauren Dunn to Lead New Clay Target Program

October 22, 2025
Blackburn Athletics Announcing Clay Target Coming Soon...

Blackburn to Launch Clay Target Competitive Club Sport in 2026

October 17, 2025
Blackburn ranks as a Best Regional College Midwest and Top 10 Performer in Social Mobility in US News 2026 Best Colleges Guide

Blackburn Named to U.S. News’ “Best Regional Colleges Midwest” List, Earns Top-Ten Ranking for Social Mobility

September 30, 2025
Oct 25
Saturday, October 25 2025

Celebrating the Life of Dr. Shelly Peffer

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Nov 07
Friday, November 7 2025

Petronel Malan, Grammy Nominated Pianist (ISMTA Conference)

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Nov 11
Tuesday, November 11 2025

Veterans Day Convocation

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM