ACI member Millikin University is deepening its commitment to collaborative education through a new MBA Direct Admit Partnership with ACI member Blackburn College, designed to create a seamless, supportive pathway from undergraduate study into graduate business education.
Beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, Blackburn students who meet established academic criteria will be guaranteed direct admission into Millikin’s Accelerated Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. The agreement reflects a shared vision between the two institutions: removing barriers, aligning academic experiences, and ensuring students can move confidently from college completion into advanced professional preparation. This coordinated approach ensures students are not navigating graduate school decisions alone, but are supported through a clearly defined academic bridge.
In addition to guaranteed admission for qualified graduates, the partnership also opens the door to graduate assistantship opportunities at Millikin, giving students the chance to gain hands-on leadership experience while completing their MBA. These roles provide meaningful exposure to faculty collaboration, applied learning, and professional skill development—key components of Millikin’s experiential education model.
The Blackburn–Millikin partnership reflects a broader trend among Illinois institutions that are working together to strengthen talent pipelines and expand access to graduate education. By aligning programs and expectations, both institutions are helping ensure that students are better prepared for the demands of today’s workforce while also addressing the evolving needs of Illinois employers.