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Blackburn College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Blackburn College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Blackburn College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Blackburn College reviews, or contribute your own Blackburn College review if you're a current student there.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Joshua from Carlinville, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Blackburn offers many classes for a wide variety of people. Having just built a new $1mil+ science building in the last 5 years, Blackburn's science program is booming. The teachers have every intention of making you learn, which is wonderful.

    Am enjoying being here

    Living on campus is a wonderful thing. You get to socialize with many new and interesting people. The campus is small, so you'll meet quite a few people rather quickly.

    Bang for the buck

    Being a work/study college, Blackburn doesn't start off costing very much. The work program takes off a chunk of tuition every semester, and each student must work a minimum of 10 hours a week. Most classes are fun and entertaining, which helps in the learning process.

    Tips for prospective students

    Get used to a lot of people knowing your name before you know theirs.

    Great for these types of students

    Blackburn is great for hard working students look at either Education or Science majors.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Katie from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    As a private liberal arts college, Blackburn does a great job providing interdisciplinary education. Whether it be Chemistry and English or History and Performing Arts, any pair of academic programs can compose an enriching study for you here. Professors engage you on a personal level, making it clear that learning at Blackburn is much more than reading and being tested on a text. Outside of the classroom are many student activities that expose you to the local culture and get you to participate in the community as a knowledgeable young person.

    Am enjoying being here

    Blackburn's small campus provides a load of opportunities for you to develop as an individual. Not only will this college move you to break the ice -- it encourages you to stomp all over it. Nearly everyone will learn your name quickly, making anyone a potential friend. Because students play such an important role on campus (in the Work Program and in academic departments), making these new friends so quickly comes in handy and helps you network. The school's theater productions welcome first-time players, and student publications like the Burnian offer substantial ways to be heard on campus. No matter what your interest is, Blackburn finds a way to work for you!

    Bang for the buck

    Already the most affordable private college in Illinois, Blackburn has an incredible knack for helping you save your money. It offers many scholarships to incoming students -- freshman and transfer alike -- and keeps students aware of loan opportunities and financial aid programs. In addition, required participation in the Work Program (about 10 hours per week in an on-campus job) reduces tuition by over $2,000 and takes off more each year you're here. Most academic programs have well priced books and materials, and students often cooperate to trade textbooks to save money. Financially, Blackburn is sharp and efficient.

    Tips for prospective students

    Living on campus is a huge component to your experience here, so avoid commuting or going home every weekend. Once you're on campus, immerse yourself in the culture here; if there's something you feel is missing, you have the power to introduce it! Love books? You can rally up other book-lovers and create an extra-curricular activity group. As a Blackburn student, you have immense influence. It's your job to take charge of your experience here from the first day and to make it an incredible time!

    Great for these types of students

    Blackburn is awesome for hard-working students who care about their futures as professionals and as people. It works for those who work themselves to full potential or are curious to find their full potential. Academically, Blackburn's largest programs are Science and Education, but students of every discipline will find something for them here. Socially, Blackburn is phenomenal for students looking to escape their shells and develop strong interpersonal skills with everyone on campus.

  • Nicholas from Waggoner, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It is small, but friendly. Students are able to have a relationship with their professors and receive extra help. A place where everyone knows everyone!

    Tips for prospective students

    It is a fun college where they try to help you succeed. Everyone is friendly and it is easy to make friends there.

    Academic Rigor

    There are some difficult classes, but there is always the chance to study with friends and have one on one time with professors for extra help.

    Dorm Life

    Dorm are nice and clean. Student workers clean dorms everyday. The dorm space is not too small, but just right.

    Food and Dining

    Food and Dining is not the best. The salad bar is my favorite, because you can never go wrong with a good salad. Off campus there are plenty of places to eat as well if you don't like the college food.

    What to do for fun

    Plenty of college events an activities which take place randomly throughout the months, which is another good way to get out of the room and meet new people.

    Bang for the buck

    It is not too expensive and the work program helps you lower the cost as well. The work program gives you the option to make extra cash on the side as well.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Bar walk, where the workers of the college drive shuttle vans to the bars so students don't have to drink and drive.

    Great for these types of students

    Its a great college for all students.

    Campus Safety

    There is always campus security on call and they are always patrolling campus.

  • Justina from Waukegan, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Blackburn college is very adapatable. This school is very career focused, teachers as well as students. The campus is a huge part of the community.

    Tips for prospective students

    If you are really about your business and want a serious degree, small classes interest you. Blackburn is the right college for you. There are new classes almost every semeter and if you like you can start any organization here. It's a great place to start your own business and help get it off the ground

    Academic Rigor

    For my first year at a 4 year college Ive had lots of help from peer tutoring as well as teacher's holding seperate tutoring sessions for their classrooms. I took 6 classes and passed them all. balancing out my schedule with work and doing plays and having time for interesting clubs.

    Dorm Life

    I love my roommate. Blackburn matches it's students dormmates by work assignments, career choices and personal choices. It worked for me.

    Food and Dining

    There is always a variety of foods. Special meals for vegans and vegatarians. If your not interesting in dining in you can visit snack bar and where there is a variety of take out.

    What to do for fun

    There are always free movie night, bowling night bingo games and much more on campus. I can always hang out with friends. When I like my time alone I'm creating, I love fashion and writing. I also started and fashion club on campus were we design clothing and have fashion shows.

  • Nyantales from Carbondale, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It is a small private, friendly school. The courtesy displayed by the students is contagious. Our student managed work program does not promote superiority outside the workplace, making it easy to talk to your bosses.

    Tips for prospective students

    The work program isn't tough, but it can eat into valuable study time, so time management skills are a must. Do not wait until the last minute for homework, it takes at least one hour per page for a decent essay. Get involved with clubs and activities, it makes college fun and less stressful.

    Academic Rigor

    Attendance is very much encouraged, it is very difficult to make up for lost class time. The homework isn't impossible, but get used to every teacher treating their class like its the only one you have. All-nighters before a test are a bad idea, even with coffee.

    Dorm Life

    Jewell is the worst dorm on campus as far as cleanliness and charges. I would recommend Stoddard or anywhere else. People like to get loud on the weekends, especially for those over 21.

    Food and Dining

    The food is usually better at the beginning of the semester and on weekends with fewer people. There is always a good variety available. There are vegetarian and vegan options always available, as well as allergy accommodations.

    What to do for fun

    Athletics are always great, we are currently looking for cross country runners. For the more art oriented we have knitting club, and some are looking to start an art club. If nothing is interesting you can start a club, just ask any club president or our counselor.

    Bang for the buck

    This is a private college, so expect to shell out more. This is the cheapest private college, and we have a work-study program. Our classes are smaller, and our teachers get to know you.

    Campus Safety

    Our dorm buildings are all locked, for residents are given keys. Students in Butler have two sets of outer doors to unlock instead of one. Student-run security is actually pretty effective, though the word student is not the most assuring.