Student at Graduation
WHERE HOPES
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 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
  • Blackburn Choir performs on risers behind grand piano

    Blackburn Fall Music Season Showcases Student Talent, Community Collaboration and a Grammy Nominee

    September 29, 2025
  • Blackburn student holds animal for as second grade students safely touch

    Blackburn’s Vivarium Visits with Carlinville Primary School at Beaver Dam

    September 25, 2025
  • October 03
    Friday, October 3 2025

    Blackburn College Music Showcase

    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • October 13
    Monday, October 13 2025

    Admissions Open House Event

    9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • October 18
    Saturday, October 18 2025

    Folk Festival with City of Carlinville (Tom Thumb Park)

    11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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
Blackburn Choir performs on risers behind grand piano

Blackburn Fall Music Season Showcases Student Talent, Community Collaboration and a Grammy Nominee

September 29, 2025
Blackburn student holds animal for as second grade students safely touch

Blackburn’s Vivarium Visits with Carlinville Primary School at Beaver Dam

September 25, 2025
Oct 03
Friday, October 3 2025

Blackburn College Music Showcase

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Oct 13
Monday, October 13 2025

Admissions Open House Event

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Oct 18
Saturday, October 18 2025

Folk Festival with City of Carlinville (Tom Thumb Park)

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM