At $21,131/yr net price, Milligan University graduates earn $46,641/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,641/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,131 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,524 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,641/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,641/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,219 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,172/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,848/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,830/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,332/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,534/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $66,401 | $73,292 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,512 | $26,596 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $49,840 | $26,978 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $36,134 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $26,353 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
60.3% of students at Milligan University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Milligan University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The rehabilitation and therapeutic professions program stands out with $66,401 median earnings, though graduates carry steep debt loads of $73,292. Business administration offers solid mid-career prospects at $55,512 with manageable debt of $26,596, while nursing graduates earn $49,840 with similar debt burdens.
The financial picture turns concerning for other programs. Human development and family studies graduates earn just $36,134, and the lower-tier business administration track produces median earnings of only $26,353. With overall median debt of $25,219 across all programs, many graduates will struggle to achieve positive returns on degrees that lead to below-average salaries.
The school's 60% graduation rate creates additional financial risk. Nearly four in ten students leave without completing their degree, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 79% retention rate suggests academic or financial pressures cause many students to transfer or drop out after freshman year.
Milligan makes financial sense if you pursue rehabilitation services, business administration, or nursing and can handle the debt loads these programs require. The school's relatively low net price of $21,131 helps, but only 23% of students receive aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance for middle-income families.
Avoid Milligan if you plan to study human services, education, or other lower-earning fields. The combination of moderate debt and weak job prospects in East Tennessee's limited economy creates poor long-term financial outcomes for these majors. Students targeting high-earning careers should verify their specific program's placement rates before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milligan University worth the cost?
Milligan University's $21,131 net price leads to median earnings of $46,641 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The 60% graduation rate and $25,219 median debt suggest moderate risk for the return you'll likely see.
What are the best paying majors at Milligan University?
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions graduates earn $66,401 annually, making it Milligan's strongest ROI program. Business and nursing programs show decent returns around $50,000-$55,000, while other majors like Human Development pay significantly less at $36,134.
How much debt do Milligan University students graduate with?
Milligan students graduate with a median debt of $25,219, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with average earnings of $46,641 ten years out, some graduates may struggle with loan payments depending on their major.
Does Milligan University have good financial aid?
Milligan's net price of $21,131 suggests decent financial aid for a private institution. The relatively low debt levels indicate the school provides enough aid to keep borrowing reasonable, though outcomes vary significantly by program.