Blackburn College Ranking

Ranking Overview

Blackburn College's current ranking story is unusually strong for a small private college. The clearest headline is its 2025 Washington Monthly recognition as the #1 bachelor's college in Illinois and 20th in the nation.

Current Ranking Snapshot

• Washington Monthly 2025: #1 bachelor's college in Illinois
• Washington Monthly 2025: #20 in the nation

What The Rankings Mean

Washington Monthly tends to emphasize public good, access, and outcomes. Blackburn's rank fits its identity as a college focused on access, work experience, and transformational education rather than broad national prestige metrics alone.

Recognition And Quality Signals

• Student-managed Work Program
• Strong affordability messaging
• 33% first-generation students
• 52% Pell-eligible students
• 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio is not listed on the sources we reviewed, so applicants should not assume it without checking current admissions materials

Ranking Advice For September 2026 Applicants

Blackburn's rankings are most useful when paired with its affordability and work-program model. If you are comparing it with other small colleges, pay close attention to how much practical experience and tuition reduction you want as part of the undergraduate experience.