Blackburn College vs. North Park University

Comparable Facts

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

North Park University is larger than Blackburn College based on total student enrollment (2,557 students vs. 513 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Blackburn College is located in Carlinville, IL (Rural Fringe setting); North Park University is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Blackburn College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. North Park University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Blackburn College 11:1; North Park University 12:1.

Blackburn College vs. North Park University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Blackburn College or North Park 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 North Park University ($18,460 vs. $20,372).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Blackburn College are 10.6% lower than at North Park University ($9,915 vs. $11,090).
• North Park University is 30.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Blackburn College (about $8,561 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.4% higher at North Park University than at Blackburn College (about $8,561 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Blackburn College as at North Park University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Park University students is 25.8% larger than aid received by Blackburn College students ($24,476 vs. $19,456).

Blackburn College vs. North Park University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Park University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Blackburn College (1010).
• Incoming North Park University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Blackburn College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 888/1125; North Park University 890/1162.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 16/24; North Park University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Blackburn College - Test-free; North Park University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Blackburn College students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.23) than students at North Park University (3.14).
• North Park University has a higher acceptance rate (68.5%) than Blackburn College (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.7% at Blackburn College vs. 14.3% at North Park University.

Blackburn College vs. North Park University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Blackburn College and North Park 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).

• North Park University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Blackburn College's (48%).
• Graduates from North Park University earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Blackburn College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Blackburn College graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than North Park University graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Blackburn College graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Park University graduates ($268 vs. $271).
• More North Park University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Blackburn College students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.