About Millikin University
Millikin University has built its reputation around performance-based learning and small-class attention in central Illinois. The university enrolls 1,458 students in Decatur, creating an intimate college environment where individual relationships matter. Students here often gravitate toward the well-known performing arts programs, which have produced notable graduates including former First Lady Nancy Reagan and actor Dennis Haskins. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name and work.
The financial picture looks surprisingly manageable for a private university. Students pay an average net price of $8,837 after aid, making this education accessible despite the $43,670 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $51,262 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $27,000. The math works in students' favor, with monthly loan payments averaging $286 against solid earning potential.
Millikin operates as a Division III athletic program with 22 varsity sports engaging 457 student-athletes. The 59.1% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenge many small liberal arts colleges face with retention. However, 97.2% of graduates find employment, and the school's performance learning approach gives students real-world experience before they graduate.
The financial picture looks surprisingly manageable for a private university. Students pay an average net price of $8,837 after aid, making this education accessible despite the $43,670 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $51,262 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $27,000. The math works in students' favor, with monthly loan payments averaging $286 against solid earning potential.
Millikin operates as a Division III athletic program with 22 varsity sports engaging 457 student-athletes. The 59.1% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenge many small liberal arts colleges face with retention. However, 97.2% of graduates find employment, and the school's performance learning approach gives students real-world experience before they graduate.
Academics & Faculty
Millikin built its reputation around performance-based learning, particularly in theatre and music programs that attract students from across the Midwest. The university's 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an environment where professors know students by name and can provide individualized attention. About 59% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges some face balancing rigorous coursework with extensive performance commitments. The school emphasizes hands-on learning across all disciplines, from business to education. Students often work closely with faculty on research projects and creative endeavors. This liberal arts approach means smaller class discussions replace large lecture halls, though it also means fewer course options than larger universities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 58.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 59.1%
- Retention Rate
- 73.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,262
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $197,436 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $77,715 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $58,402 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,521 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $52,607 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $50,439 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,193 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,908 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,459 |
Campus Life
Decatur sits 180 miles south of Chicago in central Illinois, where winters demand heavy coats and summers bring humid heat. About 57% of Millikin's 1,458 students live on campus in residence halls that house 833 students total. The small-city setting means you'll know faces across campus quickly with that 10:1 student-faculty ratio creating an intimate academic environment.
Weekends often center around the performing arts scene that defines campus culture. Students pack Kirkland Fine Arts Center for theater productions and concerts, reflecting Millikin's strong reputation in music and drama. The Big Blue compete in 22 NCAA Division III sports with 457 total athletes, creating school spirit without athletic scholarships. Greek life provides social opportunities, while the historic campus offers quiet study spots between red-brick buildings. Students frequently drive to Springfield or make weekend trips to Chicago when they need bigger-city entertainment. The 73.76% retention rate suggests most students settle comfortably into this close-knit community where professors know your name and creative expression thrives.
Weekends often center around the performing arts scene that defines campus culture. Students pack Kirkland Fine Arts Center for theater productions and concerts, reflecting Millikin's strong reputation in music and drama. The Big Blue compete in 22 NCAA Division III sports with 457 total athletes, creating school spirit without athletic scholarships. Greek life provides social opportunities, while the historic campus offers quiet study spots between red-brick buildings. Students frequently drive to Springfield or make weekend trips to Chicago when they need bigger-city entertainment. The 73.76% retention rate suggests most students settle comfortably into this close-knit community where professors know your name and creative expression thrives.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 833 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1901
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–36°F
- July Avg
- 65°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 16.0"
Student Demographics
Millikin draws students who want close professor relationships in a small college setting. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio attracts those seeking personalized attention. About two-thirds come from Illinois, reflecting the university's strong regional reputation in the Midwest. The student body leans slightly female, which aligns with Millikin's well-known theater and music programs that often attract more women. With 35% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college serves many first-generation and working-class families seeking affordable liberal arts education. Students here typically value community over prestige.
- Men
- 45.5%
- Women
- 54.5%
- White
- 66.5%
- Black
- 18.1%
- Hispanic
- 4.7%
- Asian
- 1.9%
- In-State Students
- 68.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 34.7%
Location
Millikin University sits in Decatur, Illinois, about 180 miles southwest of Chicago and 40 miles east of Springfield. The city of 70,000 residents anchors central Illinois farming country, where corn and soybean fields stretch to the horizon. Decatur built its economy around agriculture processing, with companies like Archer Daniels Midland headquartered here. The 75-acre campus creates a traditional college environment in this mid-sized industrial city. About 68% of Millikin's 1,458 students come from Illinois, drawn to the small-town setting that offers internships with local businesses while staying close to home. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Millikin University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Decatur, Illinois 62522-2084
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,262
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,792
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 64.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Millikin University?
Millikin University accepts 75.40% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private liberal arts school. The average SAT score is 1065, with middle 50% scores ranging from 930 to 1200.
How much does Millikin University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Millikin is $8,837, lower than the sticker price of $41,222 total cost of attendance. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, and the school provides substantial institutional aid averaging $30,528 for recipients.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Millikin University?
Millikin maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,458 students. This small liberal arts environment emphasizes personalized education and close mentoring relationships between professors and students.
What are the career outcomes for Millikin University graduates?
Millikin graduates earn a median salary of $51,262 ten years after graduation with a 97.2% employment rate. The school has a 59.1% six-year graduation rate and graduates carry a median debt load of $27,000.
Where is Millikin University located and what is campus life like?
Millikin sits in Decatur, Illinois, a small city setting with on-campus housing for 833 students. The Big Blue compete in 22 NCAA Division III sports with 457 total student-athletes participating across all programs.
What is Millikin University known for academically?
Millikin has built a strong reputation for its performing arts programs since its founding in 1901. The university's emphasis on experiential learning and small class sizes has produced notable alumni including former First Lady Nancy Reagan and actor Dennis Haskins.
