Arkansas State University vs. Blackburn College

Comparable Facts

Compare Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR with Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Arkansas State University is larger than Blackburn College based on total student enrollment (15,726 students vs. 513 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas State University is located in Jonesboro, AR (Small City setting); Blackburn College is in Carlinville, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Arkansas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Blackburn College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas State University 17:1; Blackburn College 11:1.

Arkansas State University vs. Blackburn College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas State University or Blackburn College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Arkansas State University than Blackburn College ($12,410 vs. $18,460).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Blackburn College are 14.2% lower than at Arkansas State University ($9,915 vs. $11,550).
• Blackburn College is 247.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas State University (about $20,059 more per year; $28,149.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.8% higher at Blackburn College than at Arkansas State University (about $13,627 more per year; $28,149.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Blackburn College than at Arkansas State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Blackburn College students is 45.2% larger than aid received by Arkansas State University students ($19,456 vs. $13,395).

Arkansas State University vs. Blackburn College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arkansas State University or Blackburn College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Blackburn College and Arkansas State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arkansas State University (1080) is 70 points higher than at Blackburn College (1010).
• Incoming Arkansas State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Blackburn College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 970/1190; Blackburn College 888/1125.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 18/24; Blackburn College 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas State University - Test optional; Blackburn College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas State University students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Blackburn College (3.23).
• Arkansas State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Blackburn College (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Arkansas State University vs. 25.7% at Blackburn College.

Arkansas State University vs. Blackburn College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas State University and Blackburn College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Blackburn College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Arkansas State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Blackburn College earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Arkansas State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Blackburn College graduates ($19,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Blackburn College graduates ($201 vs. $268).
• More Blackburn College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arkansas State University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 51%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.