Blackburn College vs. Rockford University

Comparable Facts

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

Rockford University is larger than Blackburn College based on total student enrollment (1,241 students vs. 513 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Blackburn College vs. Rockford University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Blackburn College or Rockford 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 Rockford University ($18,460 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Blackburn College are 13.2% lower than at Rockford University ($9,915 vs. $11,420).
• Rockford University is 34.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Blackburn College (about $9,631 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.2% higher at Rockford University than at Blackburn College (about $9,631 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Blackburn College than at Rockford University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 31.9% larger than aid received by Blackburn College students ($25,671 vs. $19,456).

Blackburn College vs. Rockford University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Blackburn College (1010) is 50 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Incoming Blackburn College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Rockford University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 888/1125; Rockford University 850/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 16/24; Rockford University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Blackburn College - Test-free; Rockford University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Rockford University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at Blackburn College (3.23).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Blackburn College (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.7% at Blackburn College vs. 13.4% at Rockford University.

Blackburn College vs. Rockford University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Blackburn College and Rockford 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 Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Rockford University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Blackburn College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockford University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Blackburn College graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockford University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Blackburn College graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Blackburn College students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.