About Milligan University
Milligan University sits on a small campus in eastern Tennessee with just 783 students, making it one of the country's most intimate Christian liberal arts colleges. The school builds its programs around the restoration movement tradition of the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, emphasizing both academic rigor and spiritual growth. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students by name and can provide the kind of personal attention that's rare at larger schools. The university accepts 67% of applicants with an average ACT score of 24, attracting students who want serious academics without the pressure-cooker atmosphere of highly selective colleges.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. While tuition runs $39,350, the average student pays just $21,131 after aid, thanks to institutional grants averaging $27,783 for those who receive them. Graduates earn a median of $46,641 ten years after graduation and carry $25,219 in debt, resulting in monthly loan payments of $267. That's a reasonable debt load compared to the earning potential, especially given the 98.4% employment rate.
Nearly three-quarters of students participate in the school's 19 varsity sports programs, with athletic scholarships totaling over $7.7 million. The Buffaloes compete in NJCAA athletics, and with 562 total athletes at such a small school, sports clearly shape campus culture here.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. While tuition runs $39,350, the average student pays just $21,131 after aid, thanks to institutional grants averaging $27,783 for those who receive them. Graduates earn a median of $46,641 ten years after graduation and carry $25,219 in debt, resulting in monthly loan payments of $267. That's a reasonable debt load compared to the earning potential, especially given the 98.4% employment rate.
Nearly three-quarters of students participate in the school's 19 varsity sports programs, with athletic scholarships totaling over $7.7 million. The Buffaloes compete in NJCAA athletics, and with 562 total athletes at such a small school, sports clearly shape campus culture here.
Academics & Faculty
Milligan offers a Christian liberal arts education with strong programs in nursing, business, and education that prepare students for immediate career success. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get personal attention from professors who actually know your name, which helps explain why 98.4% of graduates find employment after graduation. However, the 60.3% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish, possibly due to the rigorous coursework or financial pressures. The university is particularly known for its occupational therapy doctoral program and teacher preparation, both of which benefit from small class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities that larger universities can't match.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 68.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.3%
- Retention Rate
- 79.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,641
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $66,401 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,512 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $49,840 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $36,134 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
Campus Life
Milligan sits in the hills of East Tennessee, about 20 minutes from Johnson City and an hour from Knoxville. The 783 students experience all four seasons here, so pack both winter coats and shorts. Snow is light but real, and summers get hot and humid.
With housing for 647 students and total enrollment of 783, about 83% of students live on campus. This creates a tight community where you'll know most faces by name. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know who you are, not just your student ID number. As a Christian university, campus life revolves around faith-based activities and service projects. The Buffalo athletics program competes in 19 varsity sports with 562 total athletes, making sports a big part of campus culture.
Weekends often involve hiking the nearby Appalachian foothills or heading to Johnson City for restaurants and shopping. The small-town setting means campus events like concerts and guest speakers draw big crowds. Greek life doesn't dominate here. Instead, residence hall communities and campus ministries provide the main social structure.
With housing for 647 students and total enrollment of 783, about 83% of students live on campus. This creates a tight community where you'll know most faces by name. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know who you are, not just your student ID number. As a Christian university, campus life revolves around faith-based activities and service projects. The Buffalo athletics program competes in 19 varsity sports with 562 total athletes, making sports a big part of campus culture.
Weekends often involve hiking the nearby Appalachian foothills or heading to Johnson City for restaurants and shopping. The small-town setting means campus events like concerts and guest speakers draw big crowds. Greek life doesn't dominate here. Instead, residence hall communities and campus ministries provide the main social structure.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 647 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1866
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–46°F
- July Avg
- 63°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.0"
Student Demographics
Milligan draws students who want a close-knit Christian community, with 62% coming from Tennessee and surrounding states where the school has built strong ties with local churches and families. The student body leans slightly male at 53%, reflecting the school's history as a practical Christian college that has always welcomed working-class students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing Milligan serves families who value affordable Christian education over prestige. Most students grew up in church communities and seek a college where faith and learning connect naturally.
- Men
- 52.9%
- Women
- 47.1%
- White
- 72.3%
- Black
- 5.2%
- Hispanic
- 6.4%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 61.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.4%
Location
Milligan University sits in the small town of Milligan, Tennessee, about 15 miles south of Johnson City and 30 miles from the Virginia border. The campus is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, giving students access to hiking trails and outdoor recreation year-round. With just 783 students, the university feels intimate within this quiet, rural setting where the town revolves around the college. The area offers a peaceful environment for studying, though students need a car to reach larger cities like Knoxville (about 90 minutes away) or Bristol (45 minutes). The mountain location means cooler temperatures and scenic views that change dramatically with the seasons. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Milligan University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Milligan, Tennessee 37682
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,641
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,861
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $267/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,219
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Milligan University?
Milligan accepts 66.71% of applicants with an average ACT score of 24. This Christian liberal arts university maintains selective but accessible admissions standards for students seeking a faith-based education in the Tennessee mountains.
How much does Milligan University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,131 after aid, well below the $48,650 total cost of attendance. The university offers substantial institutional grants averaging $27,783 to make its Christian education more affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Milligan University?
Milligan maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 783 total students. This small Christian university emphasizes personalized attention and close mentoring relationships between professors and students.
What are the career outcomes for Milligan University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $46,641 ten years after graduation with an impressive 98.4% employment rate. The 60.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's supportive but challenging academic environment.
Where do Milligan University students live on campus?
The university houses 647 students in campus residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. With 79.43% of students returning each year, the residential experience helps build lasting friendships at this small Tennessee college.
Does Milligan University offer athletic scholarships?
Milligan awards $7.7 million in athletic scholarships across 19 varsity sports with 562 total athletes. The Buffaloes compete in NJCAA athletics, making sports a significant part of campus life at this Christian university.
