Milligan University
Milligan University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Milligan University at a Glance
Milligan University is a private Christian university in Milligan College, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1866 as the Buffalo Male and Female Institute, and known as Milligan College from 1881 to May 2020, the school has a student population of more than 1,300 students, most of whom live and study on its 355-acre (1.44 km2) campus. Milligan University is historically related to the Restoration Movement. The university offers over 100 programs of study leading to both undergraduate and grad…
1866
160 years old
$60M
$60.3 million (2025)
1,105
755 undergrad · 350 grad
96
Identity
Is Milligan University Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, Milligan University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $46,641 — 13% below average — while paying $21,365/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 62% graduation rate means roughly 38% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $25,219 representing 54% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Milligan University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Milligan University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #35 of 114 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | Coe College | 48 | $18,745 | $57,125 |
| #5 | Lycoming College | 44 | $19,140 | $56,210 |
| #6 | Viterbo University | 44 | $21,260 | $55,660 |
| #35 | Milligan University | 34 | $21,365 | $46,641 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Milligan University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in TN.
Best Programs at Milligan University
The highest-earning program at Milligan University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $48,000/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Milligan University earns $48,000, while a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate earns $48,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $28,500 in median debt vs. $28,500 for Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,365/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $48,000 | $48,000 | $28,500 |
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Milligan, TN
- Student Body
- 818 students
- Admission Rate
- 72%
- Graduation Rate
- 62%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,365
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $46,641
- Median Student Debt
- $25,219