Blackburn College vs. Anderson University

Comparable Facts

Compare Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL with Anderson University in Anderson, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Anderson University is larger than Blackburn College based on total student enrollment (1,228 students vs. 513 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Blackburn College is located in Carlinville, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Anderson University is in Anderson, IN (Small City setting).
• Blackburn College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Blackburn College 11:1; Anderson University 10:1.

Blackburn College vs. Anderson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Blackburn College or Anderson University? 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 Blackburn College than Anderson University ($18,460 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Blackburn College are 22.5% lower than at Anderson University ($9,915 vs. $12,800).
• Anderson University is 32.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Blackburn College (about $9,091 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.3% higher at Anderson University than at Blackburn College (about $9,091 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Blackburn College as at Anderson University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 33.4% larger than aid received by Blackburn College students ($25,946 vs. $19,456).

Blackburn College vs. Anderson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Blackburn College or Anderson University? 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 Anderson University and Blackburn College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Blackburn College (1010).
• Incoming Blackburn College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Anderson University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 888/1125; Anderson University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 16/24; Anderson University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Blackburn College - Test-free; Anderson University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Anderson University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Blackburn College (3.23).
• Anderson University has a higher acceptance rate (79.3%) than Blackburn College (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.7% at Blackburn College vs. 8.3% at Anderson University.

Blackburn College vs. Anderson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Blackburn College and Anderson University? 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).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Blackburn College's (48%).
• Graduates of Blackburn College and Anderson University have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $40,400), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Blackburn College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Anderson University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Blackburn College graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Anderson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Blackburn College students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 58%)

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.