Blackburn College vs. Bluffton University

Comparable Facts

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

Bluffton University is larger than Blackburn College based on total student enrollment (646 students vs. 513 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Blackburn College is located in Carlinville, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Bluffton University is in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Blackburn College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Blackburn College 11:1; Bluffton University 11:1.

Blackburn College vs. Bluffton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Blackburn College or Bluffton 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 Bluffton University ($18,460 vs. $20,429).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Blackburn College are 18.9% lower than at Bluffton University ($9,915 vs. $12,220).
• Bluffton University is 32.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Blackburn College (about $9,213 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.7% higher at Bluffton University than at Blackburn College (about $9,213 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Blackburn College as at Bluffton University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 61.8% larger than aid received by Blackburn College students ($31,481 vs. $19,456).

Blackburn College vs. Bluffton University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Blackburn College (1010) is 10 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming Blackburn College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 888/1125; Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 16/24; Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Blackburn College - Test-free; Bluffton University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bluffton University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at Blackburn College (3.23).
• Bluffton University has a higher acceptance rate (67.2%) than Blackburn College (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.7% at Blackburn College vs. 9% at Bluffton University.

Blackburn College vs. Bluffton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Blackburn College and Bluffton 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).

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Blackburn College's (48%).
• Graduates from Bluffton University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Blackburn College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,600 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Blackburn College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Blackburn College graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Blackburn College students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.