Admit rate has ranged 60%–99% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Milligan University carves out a distinct niche as a Christian liberal arts school in the foothills of Tennessee, where a 10:1 student-faculty ratio fosters close mentorship and a campus culture is explicitly 'rooted in Christ.' With over 100 majors and a pragmatic focus on career-ready fields like business, education, engineering, and nursing, it attracts students seeking a tight-knit, values-driven community rather than cutthroat prestige. The vibe is suburban and residential—over 80% of students live on campus—and the admissions process is notably accessible, prioritizing academic potential and 'evidence of Christian commitment' over cutthroat selectivity.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
College-prep program
Demonstrated competencies
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
818
In-state tuition
$40,450
Out-of-state tuition
$40,450
Top Major
Business Administration & Management (19%)
Graduation Rate
63%
On-Campus Housing
83%
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Median Earnings (10yr)
$46,641
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,641
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
2.2×
Median debt at graduation
$25,219
Graduation rate
63%
First-year retention
82%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
72%
Pell (lower-income) share
24%
First-gen share (among federal-aid recipients)
32%
Financial health
2.2 / 3.0Meets the federal financial-responsibility standard
U.S. Dept. of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score (FY2022-23). Scale −1.0 to 3.0; ≥1.5 meets the standard. Reported for private nonprofit & for-profit institutions only — public universities are state-backed and not scored, so this is a stability signal, not a ranking.
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$49,840
Business Administration, Management and Operations$26,353
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
106
Summer high
84°F
Winter low
35°F
Annual rain
50.8"
Annual snow
13.3"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Low
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Milligan University?
Milligan University's acceptance rate is approximately 72% (Milligan, TN), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Milligan University?
Admitted students at Milligan University typically score 1133–1268 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Milligan University cost?
At Milligan University, the average net price (after aid) is about $21,365 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Milligan University?
Milligan University enrolls approximately 818 undergraduate students.
Where is Milligan University located?
Milligan University is located in Milligan, TN.
Admissions
Milligan's admissions process is characterized by its accessibility and a clear focus on mission fit. With an of 72%, the university is decidedly less selective than many national liberal arts colleges, admitting a significant majority of its applicants. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 1133–1268, and the average high school GPA is a solid 3.69. Beyond the numbers, the admissions office explicitly seeks 'evidence of Christian commitment and academic potential,' signaling that alignment with the institution's religious identity is a key consideration. The rate—the percentage of admitted students who enroll—is 27.56%, indicating that many admitted students opt for other options. There is no mention in the provided sources of an Early Decision plan or a policy regarding demonstrated interest in the admissions process.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
The academic offering at Milligan is broad and pragmatic, built on a Christian liberal arts foundation but with a keen eye on the job market. Students can choose from more than 100 majors, minors, pre-professional degrees, and concentrations. The most popular major for recent graduates is Business Administration and Management, General, which accounted for 19% of the 2024 graduating class, followed by programs in Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. The university has received national acclaim for the value and excellence of its Business, Education, Engineering, and Nursing programs. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the environment is geared toward personalized attention and 'immersive curriculum.' This is not a giant research university; it's a place where professional preparation and a biblical worldview are intended to be woven together in classroom discussions.
Life at Milligan is residential, communal, and intentionally Christian. 83% of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, creating a campus-centric experience. The student body is drawn from 39 states and 42 nations, offering a mix of cultures within a distinct framework. The university states plainly that 'campus culture is rooted in Christ' and that this biblical worldview is woven into 'classroom discussions, student life, athletics.' This strong Christian influence shapes the social environment, which some external observers note comes with 'expectations of conformity to specific religious and moral values.' The setting is suburban, nestled near the Cherokee National Forest, encouraging outdoor activity. The prevailing description from the institution is of a 'close-knit community' with caring professors and opportunities to grow as 'servant-leaders.'
Milligan's graduation rate stands at 63%. Post-graduate earnings data shows progression: alumni report median earnings of $39,739 one year after graduation, rising to $48,861 after five years. Another source notes that graduates earn a median of $55,216 four years after graduation, which it states is 9% above the national average. The university itself highlights a 4-year graduation rate outcome of 66% in its public disclosures. These figures suggest a trajectory where graduates find footing in the workforce, with earnings growing steadily in the years following graduation.
The average after aid for students is $21,365. Milligan actively uses a Net Price Calculator to help families estimate their actual cost, emphasizing that they should 'focus on the bottom line, your actual net cost, after all scholarships and aid have been applied.' The university offers substantial Academic Merit Scholarships, which range from $8,000 to $25,000 per year and are awarded based on a weighted GPA. The financial aid materials clearly state that unsubsidized loans 'are not based on financial need and are available to all undergraduate and graduate students.' There is no indication in the provided sources that Milligan has a 'no-loan' policy or a commitment to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans.
Milligan University stands out for its unapologetic fusion of Christian identity with a practical, career-oriented education. It’s not trying to be a secular liberal arts college or a giant research university. Instead, it offers a specific proposition: a close-knit, residential community where a biblical worldview is explicitly integrated into every aspect of life, from the classroom to the dorm, paired with over 100 academic pathways, including strong professional programs in business, nursing, education, and engineering. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio and the fact that over 80% of students live on campus create an intense, all-in communal experience. This makes it a compelling choice for students who want their faith to be central to their college experience without sacrificing a focus on employability after graduation. It’s a place designed for forming whole persons—'servant-leaders,' in its parlance—for specific careers, all within a supportive, values-defined environment.
Milligan University seal · sourceVirtual Tour - Milligan University · sourceMilligan University - Wikipedia · sourceCampus Map - Milligan University · source
