Blackburn College vs. St. Ambrose University

Comparable Facts

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

Saint Ambrose University is larger than Blackburn College based on total student enrollment (2,498 students vs. 513 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Blackburn College vs. St. Ambrose University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Blackburn College or St. Ambrose 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 St. Ambrose University ($18,460 vs. $25,345).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Blackburn College are 25.9% lower than at Saint Ambrose University ($9,915 vs. $13,378).
• Saint Ambrose University is 30.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Blackburn College (about $8,509 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.2% higher at St. Ambrose University than at Blackburn College (about $8,509 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Blackburn College as at Saint Ambrose University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Ambrose University students is 33% larger than aid received by Blackburn College students ($25,877 vs. $19,456).

Blackburn College vs. St. Ambrose University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Ambrose University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Blackburn College (1010).
• Incoming St. Ambrose University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Blackburn College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 888/1125; Saint Ambrose University 930/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 16/24; Saint Ambrose University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Blackburn College - Test-free; St. Ambrose University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman St. Ambrose University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Blackburn College (3.23).
• St. Ambrose University has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Blackburn College (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.7% at Blackburn College vs. 16.7% at St. Ambrose University .

Blackburn College vs. St. Ambrose University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Blackburn College and St. Ambrose 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).

• Saint Ambrose University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Blackburn College's (48%).
• Graduates from Saint Ambrose University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Blackburn College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Ambrose University graduates have a $236 lower median loan debt than Blackburn College graduates ($25,764 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, St. Ambrose University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Blackburn College graduates ($266 vs. $268).
• More St. Ambrose University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Blackburn College students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.