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Blackburn College vs Eastern Illinois University

Blackburn College is a private college in Carlinville, IL, and Eastern Illinois University is a public university in Charleston, IL. Blackburn College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 63% of applicants against 65% at Eastern Illinois University. Eastern Illinois University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,786 a year against $18,460 at Blackburn College. About 55% of students graduate at Blackburn College, compared with 46% at Eastern Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, Eastern Illinois University alumni earn a median of about $51,989, against $46,802 for Blackburn College.

Blackburn College

Carlinville, IL · Private

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Carlinville, IL
Charleston, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
471
4,188
Acceptance rate
63%
65%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.33–3.83
SAT (middle 50%)
888–1125
880–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
16–24
17–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,460
$12,786
Full cost / yr
$37,916
$26,996
In-state tuition
$28,149
$13,679
Out-of-state tuition
$28,149
$16,217
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,838
$9,828
$30k - $48k
$14,781
$8,619
$48k - $75k
$12,329
$11,412
$75k - $110k
$23,013
$15,665
Over $110k
$23,305
$21,027
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
46%
Freshman retention
67%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$36,665
$42,694
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,802
$51,989
Median debt at graduation
$24,242
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
50%
29%
First-generation students
44%
34%
International students
0%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 12

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Blackburn College or Eastern Illinois University harder to get into?
Blackburn College is harder to get into. It admits about 63% of applicants, compared with 65% at Eastern Illinois University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Blackburn College or Eastern Illinois University?
Eastern Illinois University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,786 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,460 at Blackburn College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Blackburn College and Eastern Illinois University?
Before aid, Eastern Illinois University costs about $26,996 a year and Blackburn College about $37,916. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Blackburn College or Eastern Illinois University?
Eastern Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,828 there, against about $16,838 at Blackburn College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Blackburn College or Eastern Illinois University?
Eastern Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 4,188 undergraduates against 471 at Blackburn College.
Does Blackburn College or Eastern Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
Blackburn College has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 46% at Eastern Illinois University.
Do graduates of Blackburn College or Eastern Illinois University earn more?
Eastern Illinois University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,989 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,802 for Blackburn College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Blackburn College and Eastern Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
Blackburn College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Eastern Illinois University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Blackburn College and Eastern Illinois University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 888–1125 at Blackburn College and 880–1090 at Eastern Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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