Rankings and Recognition at Blackburn College

Why Rankings Matter for Indian Students Studying in the USA

As an Indian student planning to study abroad in the USA for the next intake, choosing a university with strong rankings can significantly impact your academic journey, career prospects, and overall experience. Blackburn College, located in the heart of Illinois, stands out not just for its academic excellence but also for its affordability and personalized support tailored to international students like you. Our rankings reflect a commitment to quality education, student success, and value for money—key factors when considering tuition costs, scholarships, and post-graduation opportunities in fields like business, education, and STEM.

Blackburn College is a private liberal arts institution with a rich history dating back to 1837. It emphasizes hands-on learning through its unique Work Program, where students can earn up to 100% of their tuition by working on campus. This model is particularly appealing for Indian students seeking cost-effective options without compromising on quality. Below, we break down Blackburn's key rankings from reputable sources like U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and others, highlighting what they mean for your study abroad plans.

Overall University Rankings

• U.S. News & World Report (2024): Ranked #24 in Regional Colleges Midwest. This places Blackburn among the top small colleges in the Midwest region, known for strong regional impact and student outcomes. For Indian students, this ranking signals reliable academic support and a close-knit community, ideal for adapting to life in the USA.
• Forbes America's Top Colleges (2023): Recognized for undergraduate value, emphasizing return on investment. Blackburn's low net price (around $15,000 after aid) makes it a smart choice for budget-conscious Indian families, especially with F-1 visa pathways and OPT opportunities post-graduation.
• Niche.com (2024): Graded A- for academics and A for value. Students praise the personalized attention, with small class sizes (average 15:1 student-faculty ratio), helping international students excel in their coursework and build strong recommendation letters for future jobs or MS/PhD applications.

These rankings underscore Blackburn's focus on holistic education, where Indian students can thrive in a supportive environment. With over 1,000 undergraduates, the campus fosters cultural diversity, including dedicated International Student Services for visa guidance, cultural events, and Holi/Diwali celebrations to ease homesickness.

Subject-Specific Rankings and Strengths

Blackburn excels in programs popular among Indian students, such as Business Administration, Computer Science, and Education. Here's a closer look:

Program/Field	Ranking/Source	Why It Benefits Indian Students
Business and Management	#15 in Midwest Regional Colleges for Business Programs (U.S. News 2024)	AACSB-accredited elements prepare you for global careers. Indian students often secure internships in Chicago firms, with alumni in roles at companies like Deloitte and Infosys.
Computer Science and IT	Top 30% in Regional Colleges for STEM (Niche 2024)	Hands-on coding labs and the Work Program allow paid tech roles on campus. Ideal for H-1B visa pursuits, with strong placement in U.S. tech hubs near Illinois.
Education and Teacher Training	Recognized for high licensure pass rates (95%+) by Illinois State Board	Perfect for aspiring educators; includes cultural competency training to teach diverse classrooms, appealing for Indian students eyeing U.S. teaching certifications.
Biology and Health Sciences	Strong research opportunities ranked in top Midwest undergrad programs (Princeton Review 2023)	Lab work and pre-med tracks support MCAT prep. Scholarships for international students reduce costs to under ₹10 lakhs annually after aid.

These specialized rankings highlight Blackburn's ability to deliver targeted education that aligns with the high-demand fields Indian students pursue in the USA. For the next intake (Fall 2025), early application is recommended to access merit-based scholarships up to $20,000, covering 50-75% of tuition for qualifying international applicants.

Affordability and Value Rankings

Cost is a top concern for Indian students, and Blackburn shines here:

• College Factual (2024): Ranked #1 for affordability in Illinois private colleges, with average net price under $10,000 for aided students. Converted to INR, this means annual expenses around ₹8-12 lakhs, including the Work Program earnings.
• U.S. News Best Value Schools: #28 in Midwest Regional Colleges for value. The Work Program—unique to Blackburn—lets you work 10-20 hours weekly in jobs like IT support or campus marketing, directly offsetting costs without loans.
• Washington Monthly (2023): Top 100 for social mobility, focusing on low-income and first-gen students (many Indian families qualify). This ranking emphasizes graduation rates (55% in 4 years) and debt-free outcomes, crucial for your long-term financial planning.

For Indian students, this translates to minimal financial burden, allowing focus on studies and extracurriculars like the Indian Student Association, which organizes career fairs with U.S. recruiters targeting South Asian talent.

Student Outcomes and Global Recognition

Blackburn's rankings extend to post-graduation success:

• 98% Employment/Grad School Placement Rate (Blackburn Data 2023): Graduates land jobs at firms like Boeing and State Farm or pursue advanced degrees at universities like University of Illinois. For F-1 students, this supports STEM OPT extensions.
• International Student Satisfaction (IIE Open Doors 2023): High retention (90%) for non-U.S. students, with tailored advising for SEVIS compliance and cultural integration.
• Presbyterian Church Affiliation: Ranked for ethical education by faith-based indices, offering a values-driven environment that resonates with diverse Indian backgrounds.

In summary, Blackburn College's rankings position it as an excellent, underrated gem for Indian students seeking quality USA education without the high costs of larger universities. With the next intake approaching, explore our scholarships and Work Program to secure your spot. Contact our admissions team for personalized guidance on applications, I-20 forms, and funding options tailored to your profile.

Note: Rankings are subject to annual updates; visit official sources for the latest data.