Blackburn College is a private, residential liberal arts college located in Carlinville, Illinois, founded in 1837 by Rev. Gideon Blackburn. It is known for its unique student-managed Work Program, the only one of its kind in the nation, which helps make higher education more affordable and provides students with real-world work experience. The college offers over 30 majors including liberal arts, pre-med and health professions, teacher licensure, and more. Blackburn College was ranked the #1 bachelor's college in Illinois and 20th nationally by Washington Monthly in 2025.