A common question is whether you can afford college. We offer generous merit and need-based scholarships and grants to make Milligan very affordable.
Great education. Great price. Check us out.
Scholarships, Grants, and Loans
We know cost is a factor in deciding what college to attend. That’s why Milligan is very generous with financial aid and works to keep our costs below the national average while providing an excellent all-around student experience. We’ll work with you individually every step of the way to help investigate all the options available for financing your education. We offer a full complement of need-based and merit-based scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans from federal, state, and institutional sources. Combined with state and federal aid, many students often pay no more than they would to attend a college with a lower cost.
Cost
Don’t shop by “sticker price.” Most students receive substantial financial aid, so your actual cost is usually much lower than the published cost.
Explore all options with scholarships and grants, estimate your actual cost using our Cost Calculator, and then consider the options to manage your balance.
EXPENSES for 2020-21 – TRADITIONAL UNDERGRAD |
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*AVERAGE NET COST AFTER SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS: |
$20,649 | |
* Your final cost depends on expected family contribution (EFC); state and federal aid; and athletic, academic, merit, and need-based institutional aid. Learn more » |
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ACTUAL Cost before aid: |
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| Tuition (traditional undergraduate) | $34,150 | |
| Required Fees | $1,450 | |
| Board (meal plan) | $3,750 | |
| Standard Room | $3,650 | |
| Total Cost for Year before aid | $43,000 | |
NOTES: Costs are the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Some courses and programs have additional fees and can be found in the Catalog. Room rate varies based on room style and residence. The cost of books will depend on your major, course load, and availability of used textbooks but typically average $1,300 per year.
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2019-20 Rates
EXPENSES for 2019-20 – TRADITIONAL UNDERGRAD |
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*AVERAGE NET COST AFTER SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS: |
$18,834 | |
* Your final cost depends on expected family contribution (EFC); state and federal aid; and athletic, academic, merit, and need-based institutional aid. Learn more » |
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ACTUAL Cost before aid: |
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| Tuition (traditional undergraduate) | $33,450 | |
| Required Fees | $1,200 | |
| Board (meal plan) | $3,650 | |
| Standard Room | $3,650 | |
| Total Cost for Year before aid | $41,950 | |
NOTES: Costs are the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Some courses and programs have additional fees and can be found in the Catalog. Room rate varies based on room style and residence. The cost of books will depend on your major, course load, and availability of used textbooks but typically average $1,300 per year.
Apply for Aid
Financial Aid Timeline
OCTOBER 1
- For maximum scholarship consideration, new students should be admitted to Milligan
OCTOBER 1
- Complete FAFSA
DECEMBER 1
- New incoming students begin to receive financial aid offers
FEBRUARY 1
- Returning students begin to receive financial aid offers
- All students accept awards
To maximize your aid, apply early and meet all deadlines. Below are basic steps to follow:
- APPLY: Apply for admission to Milligan. Students are automatically considered for Milligan Academic Scholarships based on their application file at the time of admission. Ask your Admissions Recruiter about other scholarships.
- FAFSA: Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine your need-based aid eligibility. Review your Student Aid Report (the results of your FAFSA), mailed to you by the federal government. This will contain your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the number used to determine your federal student aid eligibility.
- AWARD PACKAGE: Review your Financial Aid Offers* from Milligan. Sign and return it promptly indicating whether you accept or decline each award (some awards are first-come, first-serve, so don’t delay).
- DEPOSIT: Pay your one-time $200 enrollment deposit (applied toward your account) to secure space in the incoming class (non-refundable after May 1).
- PAYMENT: Determine your payment plan.
- ORIENTATION: Attend Connections Orientation (April or June) to register for classes.
*The financial aid package is subject to change if subsequent information is received that changes your need eligibility, your housing, or your enrollment status was incorrect or changes, or you receive additional aid resources that were not known at the time of initial awarding.
Payment Options
For some families, paying for educational costs not covered by a student’s scholarships and grants requires some consultation with the Student Financial Services Office. Here are some financing ideas to get you started:
FAMILY RESOURCES
Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the amount the government estimates (based on your FAFSA) you and your family can contribute to your college educational expenses.
FINANCE/PAYMENT PLAN
Milligan offers an interest-free payment plan that is an easy, affordable way to pay for the year’s charges (not covered by other aid). See below.
LOANS
Educational loans can be a useful tool to pay for college, but you are encouraged to borrow only enough to cover your necessary education-related expenses.
- The average Milligan loan debt at graduation last year was $23,500, which is $3,000 below the national average (less than $300/month payment)
- Milligan students pay off their loans much better than most college graduates (default rate is 3% compared to 14% nationally and 9% regionally)
- Educational debt is not the same as commodity debt, which only depreciates in value. Your education will continue to earn you more money over the course of your life, not less.
Payment Plans
Payment Plan 1 – Pay in Full Prior to the First Day of Class
With this plan, all outstanding charges for the semester are paid on or before the first day of class. Payments may be made via cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. For your convenience, you may pay online through Self Service, where you can view your account, print and view statements, make a payment online, and view a history of all payments on your account. By using your MC Self Service ID and password, you will have access to your online statement and current activity on your account. Payments and charges will be reflected immediately and you will have 24/7 access to your most recent bill.
Payment Plan 2 – Tuition Payment Plan
Milligan offers an interest free payment plan that allows you to spread your tuition costs into payments. This plan can be used in conjunction with a Federal Loan and/or Alternative Loan to assist students and families in managing their educational debt. The payment plan enrollment fee for students enrolled in fall/ spring semesters is $75 for the academic year, $40 for spring or summer semesters. For MBA students, the enrollment fee is $85 for the entire program. You must enroll by the statement due date.
Click here for instructions on setting up a spring or summer plan »
Click here for instructions on setting up a fall plan »
Read more about Student Account and Loan Counseling »
Milligan Difference
A Milligan education is one of the wisest investments you’ll make. While it can represent a significant financial investment, it also influences who we become — our philosophy, values, intellectual and emotional preparedness for careers, long-term friendships and a commitment to serve. That’s why we strive to assure it’s a sound investment in all ways.
People
We hire respected Christian faculty and staff who value good teaching, discovery, and experiential learning, so students learn from leading thinkers and professionals. 60% have taught at Milligan for 10+ years and 80% have terminal degrees. Our low student-faculty ratio of 12:1 means lots of personal attention and a better educational experience. Our staff are here to serve and all are committed to our mission of educating servant-leaders.
Place
We want our students to have the best resources and facilities possible, like the new Milligan housing village, LEED gold-certified Gilliam Wellness Center, Gregory Center for the Liberal Arts, McCormick Dining Center, and technology classrooms throughout campus. We pay attention to our campus and provide you a beautiful setting to learn and live.
Performance
Milligan students consistently score above the national mean in general education areas, as well as in their major course of study. Student-athletes have won 50 conference titles and made 60 national tournament appearances in the past 10 years. Fine arts students have received regional and national accolades for their work. Student researchers have presented at national conferences.
Employment
98% of Milligan graduates typically are employed or in graduate school within 6 months to one year after graduation.
Retention & Graduation
Milligan’s retention and graduation rates are well above other local private colleges and state universities. That means students get a top-rate education are more likely to finish on time, which is a time and cost savings over other institutions!
Pride
Milligan students consistently express greater satisfaction with their Milligan experience than students from peer institutions on the Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI) and the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). Our alumni consistently give back to the college at a far higher percentage than most colleges in the U.S., reflecting their confidence in Milligan and their appreciation for the education they received that continues to serve them well.
Proof
A Milligan education is well-respected throughout the region and nation. Milligan is consistently named one of the best colleges and best values in U.S. News & World Report‘s “America’s Best College” issue among Southern colleges and universities. Washington Monthly continues to rank Milligan among the top 25 baccalaureate colleges in the nation based on the college’s contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research, and service.
See what other organizations have ranked or recognized Milligan as a top college »
The Gap
Tuition actually covers only a portion of the true cost of education at Milligan. Each year thousands of alumni, friends, and even our own faculty and staff “stand in the gap” to make up the difference between student tuition and the actual cost of attendance for our students. These gifts help the college hold tuition increases to a minimum while building scholarship funding, enhancing academic excellence, adding new programs, and making significant campus improvements. Without this support, the cost of attending Milligan Univeristy would be significantly higher.
Read more about the value of The Milligan Difference »