Blackburn College vs. Central State University

Comparable Facts

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

Central State University is larger than Blackburn College based on total student enrollment (2,708 students vs. 513 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Blackburn College is located in Carlinville, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Central State University is in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• Blackburn College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Blackburn College 11:1; Central State University 16:1.

Blackburn College vs. Central State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Blackburn College or Central State 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 Central State University than Blackburn College ($11,398 vs. $18,460).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Blackburn College are 17.6% lower than at Central State University ($9,915 vs. $12,026).
• Blackburn College is 249.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $20,091 more per year; $28,149.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 179.9% higher at Blackburn College than at Central State University (about $18,091 more per year; $28,149.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Blackburn College than at Central State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Blackburn College students is 4.3% larger than aid received by Central State University students ($19,456 vs. $18,654).

Blackburn College vs. Central State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Blackburn College (1010) is 150 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming Blackburn College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 888/1125; Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 16/24; Central State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Blackburn College - Test-free; Central State University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Blackburn College students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.23) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Blackburn College (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.7% at Blackburn College vs. 19.4% at Central State University.

Blackburn College vs. Central State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Blackburn College and Central State 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).

• Blackburn College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Blackburn College earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Blackburn College graduates have a $13,000 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($26,000 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Blackburn College graduates have an estimated $135 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($268 vs. $403).
• More Blackburn College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 16%)

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.