Millikin University
Millikin University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Millikin University at a Glance
Millikin University is a private university in Decatur, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1901 by Decatur businessman James Millikin and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).
1901
125 years old
$94M
$94.3 million (2020)
1,587
1,496 undergrad · 91 grad
235
75 acres
Identity
Is Millikin University Worth It?
At a value score of 33/100, Millikin University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,262 — 5% below average — while paying $21,989/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 57% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 53% 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 Millikin University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Millikin University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #34 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 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #2 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #3 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #4 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #5 | Madonna University | 49 | $17,755 | $59,058 |
| #6 | Daemen University | 48 | $18,693 | $61,808 |
| #34 | Millikin University | 33 | $21,989 | $51,262 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Millikin University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in IL.
Best Programs at Millikin University
The highest-earning program at Millikin University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $54,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Music at $17,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Millikin University earns $54,500, while a Music graduate earns $17,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. 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 $25,416 in median debt vs. $26,000 for Music.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,989/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 | $54,500 | $54,500 | $25,416 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $44,800 | $44,800 | $19,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,500 | $39,500 | $28,607 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $35,200 | $35,200 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,600 | $33,600 | $26,033 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $32,500 | $32,500 | $26,570 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $23,000 | $23,000 | $27,000 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $20,100 | $20,100 | $27,000 |
| Music | $17,200 | $17,200 | $26,000 |
Similar Colleges in IL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Decatur, IL
- Student Body
- 1,382 students
- Admission Rate
- 67%
- Graduation Rate
- 57%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,989
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,262
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000