Blackburn Climbs Nine Places in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 'Best Colleges' List

U.S. News also Recognizes Blackburn as a Best Value College and a Top Performer for Graduating Economically Disadvantaged Students

Washington Monthly Ranks Blackburn Second Overall Among Baccalaureate Colleges in Illinois, First in Pell Grant Student Performance

U.S. News & World Report has again recognized Blackburn College in its annual best colleges and universities rankings. In the most recent U.S. News & World Report "Best Colleges" guide, published on September 24, 2024, Blackburn climbed nine places among regional Midwestern colleges and earned spots on distinguished lists.

U.S. News & World Report is considered one of the most comprehensive research publications for students and parents considering opportunities in higher education. For over 35 years, it has evaluated and ranked more than 1,500 institutions based on 19 measures of academic quality, including educational outcomes and student excellence.

In addition to its rise in overall rankings, Blackburn earned recognition as a Top Performer for Social Mobility. This category measures how well schools graduate low-income and underrepresented students. "Economically disadvantaged students are less likely than others to finish college, even when controlling for other characteristics," the guide reads. "But some colleges are more successful than others at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants." Blackburn has been named as a top performer each year since the social mobility ranking was introduced.

Additionally, Blackburn earned a place as one of the U.S. News' Best Value Schools, which ranks institutions that provide excellent academic quality at an affordable price. Schools on this list must offer strong educational programs and substantial financial aid to offset the cost of attendance, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can access a high-quality education.

Complementing these honors, another college ranking publication, Washington Monthly, ranked Blackburn as the second-best baccalaureate college in Illinois and first in the state for Pell Grant student performance in its 2024 ranking guide. Washington Monthly's ranking system focuses on the public good, evaluating colleges' contributions to social mobility, research, and public service. Among nearly 225 bachelor's colleges, Blackburn's outstanding support for Pell Grant students and its commitment to student success stand out.

"These national rankings are a testament to Blackburn's dedication to delivering an outstanding, accessible, and affordable education," said President Larry K. Lee. "Our focus on advancing social mobility, reducing student debt, while ensuring our graduates have the academic preparation and essential competencies to succeed reflects the transformative impact of Blackburn College."