Blackburn College vs. Marian University

Comparable Facts

Compare Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL with Marian University in Fond Du Lac, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marian University is larger than Blackburn College based on total student enrollment (1,246 students vs. 513 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Blackburn College vs. Marian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Blackburn College or Marian 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 Marian University ($18,460 vs. $22,697).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marian University are 0.7% lower than at Blackburn College ($9,849 vs. $9,915).
• Marian University is 25% more expensive for in-state tuition than Blackburn College (about $7,029 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25% higher at Marian University than at Blackburn College (about $7,029 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Blackburn College as at Marian University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marian University students is 12.1% larger than aid received by Blackburn College students ($21,805 vs. $19,456).

Blackburn College vs. Marian University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Blackburn College (1010) is 70 points higher than at Marian University (940).
• Incoming Blackburn College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Marian University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 888/1125; Marian University 800/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 16/24; Marian University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Blackburn College - Test-free; Marian University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Blackburn College students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.23) than students at Marian University (3.16).
• Marian University has a higher acceptance rate (75%) than Blackburn College (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.7% at Blackburn College vs. 18% at Marian University.

Blackburn College vs. Marian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Blackburn College and Marian 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).

• Marian University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Blackburn College's (48%).
• Graduates from Marian University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Blackburn College graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 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 Marian University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Blackburn College graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marian University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Marian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Blackburn College students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.