Hi everyone, I have my eyes set on Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL. Anyone here from Blackburn or knows about the campus life, the town, or the general academic scene? I could really use some input, thanks!
Blackburn College is a unique place as students actively participate in their college's operation through the “Work Program,” one of only seven such programs in the U.S that offers to reduce the tuition costs significantly. Many students absolutely love the sense of community and individualism that this fosters.
Now, coming to academics, Blackburn's notable programs include Biology, Business Management, and Education. What's remarkable is the small classes where you're not just a face amongst many. The faculty-student ratio is 11:1; this allows for a good amount of personalized attention from professors.
The Campus life is pretty vibrant with lots of clubs and organizations. There’s an opportunity for students to initiate their own organizations too which can be a great way to showcase leadership and initiative. Also being a part of an NCAA Division III school, Blackburn has some strong athletic programs for interested students.
As for the town, Carlinville is pretty small, giving that quintessential small-town vibe. It's got a nice charm but it won’t have the same options as a large city. However, the community is friendly and close-knit. If you seek more options or just wish for a change of pace, Springfield, the state capital, is only an hour away.
Ultimately, your experience at Blackburn (or any college, really) will be what you make of it, but if you like the idea of a tight-knit community, a work program, and close interactions with faculty, Blackburn could be a great fit for you. I hope this information was helpful!
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