
700 College Avenue, Carlinville, IL 62626-1498, USA


Blackburn College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that it meets established standards of academic quality and institutional integrity. This accreditation affirms that the college provides a recognized and credible education, which is important for students pursuing transfer opportunities or seeking federal financial aid. Additionally, specific programs within the institution may hold specialized accreditations relevant to their fields, offering further validation of the academic rigor in those areas.
Blackburn College requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) or an equivalent secondary school completion. Submission of a secondary school record and proof of enrollment in a college program are mandatory components of the application. While standardized test scores such as the ACT or other assessments are recommended, they are not strictly required. The college does not operate an open admission policy and does not accept dual credit or credit transfers, although Advanced Placement (AP) credits are recognized.
The application fee for prospective students at Blackburn College is set at $25. This fee is required to process the application and is non-refundable. However, Blackburn College offers fee waivers for certain applicants who demonstrate financial need or meet specific eligibility criteria.
The college provides fee waivers to students who complete the Common Application or send in a College Board or ACT fee waiver form. Additionally, prospective students attending college fairs or presentations where Blackburn College representatives are present may also be eligible to have their application fee waived. These waivers are designed to reduce financial barriers for applicants and encourage a broader range of students to apply.
Applicants seeking a fee waiver should follow the application instructions carefully and submit the appropriate documentation to ensure the waiver is applied. This approach helps prospective students manage costs during the college application process while maintaining access to Blackburn College's admissions.
Blackburn College does not offer its own Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs on campus. Prospective students interested in ROTC opportunities typically participate through cross-enrollment agreements with nearby institutions that host Army, Navy, or Air Force ROTC units. This arrangement allows Blackburn College students to pursue military officer training while completing their academic studies.
Engaging in ROTC via cross-enrollment often involves attending courses and training sessions at partnering colleges, which may require additional travel or schedule coordination. Students interested in these programs should consult with Blackburn College's academic advisors to understand the available options and logistics.
While Blackburn College supports students pursuing ROTC training externally, it does not provide direct sponsorship, scholarships, or ROTC-specific facilities on its campus. As a result, applicants looking for an immersive ROTC environment may consider institutions with dedicated programs rather than Blackburn College.
Blackburn College accepts transfer students for the fall and spring terms, providing opportunities for those seeking to continue their education without interruption. The institution permits the transfer of credits from other accredited colleges, which facilitates the transition process for eligible applicants. The entrance difficulty for transfer students is classified as moderately difficult, indicating a selective yet attainable admission standard.
Blackburn College offers a distinctive study abroad program that integrates international experience with its core academic curriculum. The college provides semester-long, faculty-led trips to a variety of global destinations where students can engage in immersive learning opportunities directly tied to their field of study. These programs emphasize experiential education, allowing students to earn academic credit while participating in culturally rich environments.
Participants typically travel with a small cohort of peers and faculty members, fostering close interaction and personalized instruction throughout the journey. Destinations have included locations in Europe, Central America, and Asia, with itineraries carefully designed to complement courses taught during the semester abroad.
The college's approach encourages students to develop global awareness and cross-cultural competencies by living and learning abroad in an intensive and supportive setting. Additionally, Blackburn integrates pre-departure preparation and post-trip reflection into its study abroad experience, ensuring that students gain both academic and personal growth from their time overseas.
The structured nature of these programs, combined with their direct connection to Blackburn's academic offerings, distinguishes the college's study abroad opportunities from traditional exchange or semester programs. Students interested in broadening their perspectives through travel and study will find Blackburn's international programs both accessible and closely aligned with their educational goals.
Median composite SAT score
1007Median composite ACT score
20High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring