Urban League - Blackburn College

At Blackburn, we believe education should transform lives and open doors. As an institution nationally recognized for combining strong academics, unmatched leadership opportunities, and career experience, all while lowering the cost of college.

That’s why our students explore beyond the classroom and take charge of their education. Blackburn is the only college in the nation with a student-managed Work Program, where students lead and coach their peers to run daily operations across campus.

By graduation, you’ll have four years of real-world leadership experience and career-ready skills that set you apart.

Blackburn Named Top Bachelor’s College in Illinois, Ranked 20th Nationally By Washington Monthly

Blackburn College has earned top honors in Washington Monthly’s annual college guide evaluating institutions across the country. The publication evaluated 1,421 colleges and universities in its 2025 edition, released this fall. Among institutions that award almost exclusively bachelor’s degrees, Blackburn was named the #1 bachelor’s college in Illinois and ranked 20th in the nation, reflecting the College’s historic mission to provide access and deliver transformative educational experiences for students from all economic and social backgrounds.

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Impactful Academics

Meet your goals with a range of majors, including Art, Biology, Business, Computer Science, Education, and Psychology.

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Competitive Athletics

Compete in NCAA Division III & club sports, including basketball, track, cheer, wrestling, women's flag football and more.

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See For Yourself

A place where students lead their peers, develop the skills employers demand, and make a difference in their community.

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Unmatched Leadership

Your Career Advantage Starts Now

Most students discover after graduation that entry-level jobs want three or four years of experience. At Blackburn, you’ll start building the proven skills employers are looking for the day you arrive. Working in 12 departments to maintain campus operations, you’ll graduate with a resume full of real-world experience. Whether your path leads you to graduate school, a professional career, or leadership in your community, Blackburn ensures you leave prepared.

You won’t find leadership opportunities like this anywhere else.

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96%

Placement Rate

Blackburn graduates employed or continuing education within six months

TOP 10

Social Mobility

U.S. News & World Report ranked Blackburn a top performer for social mobility among midwestern regional colleges

33%

First-Generation

Blackburn students are the first in their families to attend college

Meeting Your Financial Need

Graduate with Less Debt

College is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make. At Blackburn, the Work Program provides every student with a $32,000 reduction over four years, making higher education more aordable while giving you a head start on your career. Our approach to financial aid is to meet your individual needs. With automatic merit scholarships based on academic performance and need-based grants ready to fill in the gaps, you’ll find that a high-quality education is within reach.

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Blackburn Stories

Hear from our Students

Campus Life

There's Room to Grow

At Blackburn, you’ll find space to belong and pathways to succeed. You’re part of a close-knit campus community where your voice matters and potential is noticed. Our rural location provides the perfect balance: quiet and supportive to thrive as a scholar, leader, and citizen with easy access to major cities when you want them. Blackburn and Carlinville sit along an Amtrak train line and Interstate 55, making it easy to reach everything between Chicago and St. Louis.

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Come see Blackburn College for yourself and learn first-hand about our impactful academics, competive athletics, and unmatched leadership opportunities.

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