Blackburn College has earned top honors in Washington Monthly’s annual college guide evaluating institutions across the country. The publication evaluated 1,421 colleges and universities in its 2025 edition, released this fall. Among institutions that award almost exclusively bachelor’s degrees, Blackburn was named the #1 bachelor’s college in Illinois and ranked 20th in the nation, reflecting the College’s historic mission to provide access and deliver transformative educational experiences for students from all economic and social backgrounds.
In addition to its overall placement, Blackburn excelled in several components of Washington Monthly’s broader rankings. The publication evaluates the effectiveness of colleges in opening doors to students from low- and moderate-income families and supporting their long-term success.
- Blackburn ranked #1 in Illinois for Pell Enrollment Performance, meaning it enrolls more Pell Grant recipients than would be expected based on state income levels and academic achievement.
- The College was also #1 in Illinois for Earnings Performance, measuring alumni earnings relative to expectations.
- Blackburn placed #2 in Illinois and #19 nationally for preparing students to pursue Ph.D. programs.
“Being named Illinois’ top bachelor’s college and among the best in the nation affirms the strength of Blackburn’s mission,” said President Larry K. Lee. “We are the only college in the country with a student-managed Work Program. When combined with rigorous academics and close mentoring, it creates a model that directly addresses the concerns facing higher education today. At Blackburn, students graduate with a degree for a lifetime, a résumé of real, marketable skills, and preparation for either graduate study or the workforce—while carrying far less debt. It is, in every sense, the perfect model for higher education.”