Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Admission What is your admission application deadline? Milligan has a rolling admission process. This means that there are no set deadlines and candidates can submit their applications throughout the academic year. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible during their senior year, as housing and some scholarships are first-come, first-serve. As each application comes in, it is reviewed by the Admissions Committee, which meets once a week. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and you’ll usually hear back within 2-3 weeks.
What are the admission requirements? The Admissions Committee will evaluate your academic record, two personal references, ACT or SAT-I scores, application essay, and participation in extracurricular activities. While no specific course pattern is required for admission, the applicant is strongly encouraged to include in the high school program the following subjects:
What is the average GPA and ACT/SAT score for new students? Admitted students boast an average high school GPA of 3.5 and an average test score of 23 ACT / 1080 SAT. These are above state and national averages for college-bound students.
What is the minimum GPA and ACT/SAT score I need to get into Milligan? Milligan does not have an official minimum test or GPA requirement because the entire admissions file is considered for each applicant.
Are interviews required? Interviews are typically not required unless by selection of the Admission Committee. We do, however, strongly encourage you to visit campus in order to meet our students and faculty, appreciate the scope of our facilities and the beauty of the campus, and perhaps ask questions of an admission representative.
Does Milligan accept Advanced Placement (AP) credit? Yes, Milligan accepts AP credit if a student meets certain scores on the AP Test. Click HERE for complete details or talk to your Admission Counselor.
What is the Enrollment Deposit? It is the means by which you secure your place in the entering class at Milligan College and any scholarships or financial aid that have been offered. You should pay the deposit as soon as you decide to attend Milligan College. (Milligan subscribes to the National Candidate Reply Date of May 1, but you are welcome to submit your deposit and secure your place, as well as scholarships and financial aid, as soon as you like.) The enrollment deposit is $200 and is credited toward your first semester account. It is not an additional fee. The deposit is refundable until May 1 and can be paid by check or credit card.
What is the Enrollment Confirmation form? This document confirms your intention to attend Milligan and reserve any scholarships and financial aid that have been offered. This form is also used to reserve your place in on-campus housing. The form was included with your acceptance letter and can also be downloaded here.
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Cost & Financial Aid
How much does Milligan cost? Milligan's comprehensive cost of attendance (before scholarships and financial aid) for 2009-10 (including tuition, room, board, and required fees) is $27,510.
Does Milligan charge out-of-state tuition? Milligan is a private college, so costs are the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
What scholarships are offered? Milligan College offers a variety of scholarships to students. Most merit scholarships are academic, but some are awarded to talented athletes, performers, and artists. Milligan also offers need-based grant aid. Many of these scholarships and grants have been made possible through contributions from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, businesses, foundations, and friends of the college. Click HERE for more information on scholarships.
Do I need to complete a scholarship application? Your Milligan admission application also serves as the application for Milligan academic scholarships. The FAFSA serves as your application for state, federal, and institutional need-based aid. Those interested in Fine Arts or Athletics Scholarships should notify their Admission Counselor ASAP.
Is my scholarship for one year only? All Milligan scholarships can be renewed for up to three years of full-time enrollment after the year the initial award is made. In other words, the scholarship is for four years if you’re a traditional undergraduate student. This is contingent upon the student meeting the renewal requirements. Minimum requirements for retaining Academic and Music/Fine Arts Scholarships include maintaining a cumulative 2.0 GPA by the end of the second semester of enrollment, and a 2.5 by the end of the fourth semester and each semester thereafter; full-time enrollment; representing the school in a dignified and respectable manner; and complying with all moral and lifestyle expectations as set forth in the Student Handbook. For complete details on Honors Scholarships and Athletic Scholarships, see the College Catalog (page 21-22) and confer with your coach or faculty mentor.
What are the requirements for the honors scholarships? Milligan's most prestigious merit-based scholarships are the Hopwood, Oosting, and Beamer Scholarships and provide significant funding. To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must be admitted to the College by November 1 and have test scores of at least 32 ACT or 1330 SAT. The committee reviews all eligible files and selects five finalists to visit campus each January for an interview. Notification happens in early February.
Are there scholarships available for minority students? Milligan’s Goah Scholarship recognizes undergraduate students who enhance the educational experience of all students by sharing diverse cultural experiences. These scholarships are an integral part of the college's effort to meet the educational diversity needs of its students, and they complement other such initiatives at the college. Click HERE for more information and requirements.
What is work-study, who qualifies, and what jobs are available? This program provides part-time jobs on-campus for students. Students are paid the current federal minimum wage. The maximum amount a student may earn (award amount) depends on the amount of funding the college has for the program. Students should indicate on their application for admission if they are interested in work-study. The Personnel Director manages the Work-Study Program and admitted students with work-study eligibility will receive information about job placement.
How do I apply for financial aid? The (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), or FAFSA, is the first step in the financial aid process. Use it to apply for federal student financial aid, such as the Pell Grant, student loans, and college work-study. Milligan College, like most colleges, uses the results of the FAFSA to administer all federal, state and need-based institutional programs. Submit the FAFSA by Feb. 1 for priority consideration.
When will I hear about my financial aid? Once accepted at Milligan, you will immediately receive notification of your merit-based academic scholarship award (based on GPA and ACT/SAT). No additional scholarship application is necessary for merit-based aid for new students at Milligan. Once Milligan receives the results of your FAFSA, the college will issue an initial Financial Aid Award package beginning in March (if you have met priority deadlines). This official document details a breakdown of your financial aid package according to amount, source, and type of aid. It will also contain the terms and conditions for the financial aid and information about cost of attendance. Click HERE for more details.
Can students access their student account information? Students can view information about their academic record and student account in the college's student records database using the i.d. and password assigned to them for college network access. Among the information available to the students are semester class schedules, the college catalog, mid-term and final grades, unofficial transcripts, and charges and credits to the student's account.
Student Body
How many students does Milligan have? Milligan’s student body consists of about 1,000 students -- approximately 750 undergraduate students and 300 adult students.
Where are the majority of students at Milligan from? Milligan's student body includes students from 37 states and 11 countries. 84 percent of students are from the South, 11 percent from the Midwest, and 1 percent from both the Northeast and the West. 1.5 percent are internationals.
What is the ethnic diversity of Milligan students? 10 percent of Milligan's student body are from multicultural backgrounds.
Academics
What academic programs does Milligan offer? The academic strength of Milligan is reflected in the breadth and depth of academic programs and the talents of our faculty. Milligan offers over 35 major programs and 25 additional minors. Click HERE for a complete list.
What are the largest programs of study at Milligan? Many students are interested in the following clusters of study: Business, Education, Nursing, and Communications. Other areas of interest include Social Learning (history, psychology, sociology, public leadership & service), Science (biology, chemistry, math), Humane Learning (English, humanities, language arts), and Bible/Ministry.
Is there a core curriculum? Milligan has a strong interdisciplinary liberal arts core curriculum that provides students with a broad foundation for life-long learning and for further study in specific disciplines. This includes three courses in Biblical studies; four courses in the Humanities; two writing courses; two courses in fitness/wellness; two courses in the sciences; two courses in social learning; one ethnic studies course; one speech communication course; one math course; and one first-year experience course for new freshmen. Students pursuing a bachelor of arts degree must also complete foreign language competency through the intermediate level. For complete details on the college's general education requirements, see the College Catalog (p. 36).
What is the student-to-faculty ratio? 12:1
What is the average class size? Average class size is 18. Class size varies by the level and type of course. Even in the first year students should expect most classes to be fewer than 30 students.
Who teaches the classes? Milligan has 75 full-time faculty. 75 percent have a Ph.D. or the highest terminal degree in their field. 40 percent have taught at Milligan for more than 20 years.
Does Milligan utilize Teacher Assistants? All courses are taught by professors; no graduate students or teaching assistants teach classes.
Are professors approachable? Are they available to talk outside of class? Professors are actively involved with the students. Each professor has scheduled office hours and encourages students to stop by frequently. Many professors invite their classes to their homes for a meal, participate in chapel, and support students at athletic and arts events.
Are all faculty members Christian? Yes. As a Christian college, Milligan actively seeks and hires faculty members who manifest both academic excellence and Christian faith.
How do I know what classes I will take? The Milligan College Catalog prescribes course paths for each academic major and program, with flexibility for some electives. Each new student works with a Faculty Mentor to determine which courses should be taken when. All new students will meet with their Mentor and register for fall classes at Connections Orientation in April or June. Each semester students meet with their Mentor/Advisor to discuss the next semester's course selection.
Are internships readily available for students? Many majors require internships, which grant college credit and work experience prior to graduation. Students intern at local businesses or organizations and many have worked in locations throughout the U.S. Faculty help students locate internships, and resources are also available in the Career Development Office. Click HERE for more information.
Can I study abroad at Milligan? Yes. Milligan offers a number of off-campus learning programs, many through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). These include semesters in London, Australia, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Russia, Oxford, Uganda, the Contemporary Music Center in Martha's Vineyard, the American Studies Program in Washington DC, and the Los Angeles Film Studies Center. Off-campus summer programs include the Humanities European Study Tour, Summer in London, Oxford, and the International Business Institute. For complete details, see the College Catalog (p. 38).
Is Milligan accredited? Yes. Milligan College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; 404-679-4501) to award bachelor's and master's degrees. Several of Milligan’s professional programs also have accreditations and memberships in professional organizations. See HERE for a complete list.
Can students access their student record and grades? Students can view information about their academic record and student account in the college's student records database using the i.d. and password assigned to them for college network access. Among the information available to the students are semester class schedules, the college catalog, mid-term and final grades, unofficial transcripts, and charges and credits to the student's account. Top of Page
Spiritual Life
Is Milligan a religious college? Yes. Milligan is a Christian liberal arts college. It is a distinguishing characteristic of Milligan College that each course is taught with an awareness of how it fits into a biblical worldview. Such teaching is assured by the selection of a faculty who are strong and active in their Christian faith. Practicing our faith and serving God's kingdom is pervasive in all of campus life. Click HERE for more information about Milligan’s Christian commitment.
Are you affiliated with a particular church or denomination? Throughout its history, Milligan College has maintained an active relationship with the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. Committed to the restoration of New Testament Christianity and the unity of all believers, these congregations are a dynamic and growing fellowship. Given this commitment to Christian unity, students from various Christian traditions find Milligan a welcoming community. Over 20 Christian denominations/church groups are currently represented in Milligan's student body. Click HERE for more information about Milligan’s Christian commitment.
Is chapel required? All undergraduate students at Milligan must participate in the college’s Spiritual Formation Program. During four years at Milligan, undergraduate students must attend 150 programs (average fewer than 19 programs per semester). Students transferring or readmitted are prorated correspondingly to academic credits being transferred and number of college semesters completed. Spiritual formation opportunities include chapel, convocation programs, campus ministry programs, and designated community events. Students may elect to attend the programs of their choice, as long as they attend 150 (or the prorated amount for transfers) by their graduation. Read more HERE.
What are chapels/convocations? Milligan College chapel services occur on Thursday mornings in Seeger Chapel at 11:00 until 11:50 AM. Generally these services are exclusively worship venues. Occasionally, lectures, dialogues or other forums may occur during the designated chapel time. Milligan College convocation programs traditionally occur on Tuesday mornings at 11:00 until 11:50 AM but will occasionally occur at other times and locations. Programs not following a worship format but characterized by the integration of faith and learning are designated as convocation programs. These events will include cultural and artistic presentations, forums addressing faith and contemporary issues and special lecture presentations.
Is there a church on Milligan’s campus? Are there churches close by? Milligan does not hold a church service on Sunday mornings. Instead, the college encourages student involvement in local congregations. Local churches welcome Milligan students and seek to provide them with opportunities for service and fellowship. Interaction with Christians outside the Milligan College Community is a valuable experience especially for those who are unable to return home on a regular basis. Students are able to development their faith while sharing and serving local congregations. Students can contact the Church Relations Office for further assistance in locating a local congregation.
Campus Life
What is there to do at Milligan? Milligan has over 40 student organizations. There are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved in a variety of interests. Click HERE for a complete list. Each year, students can learn more about these clubs and sign up to be involved on RUSH Day, held the second week of classes each fall.
How easy is it to get connected on campus? At Milligan, you'll be a part of a small, close-knit student body of around 1,000 students. 85 percent of traditional students live on campus in one of six residence halls -- creating a true collegiate environment. You'll find a warm Christian community, allowing you to form friendships that will last a lifetime. Our students come from more than 40 states and 10 nations, so you'll likely find students with similar interests as yourself, as well as those of different cultures, regions and views. There are an assortment of concerts, lectures, theatrical productions, recitals, athletic events, art exhibits and other community-oriented activities that are open to the public. With more than 40 clubs and organizations on campus, you can make a difference.
Are freshmen allowed to have vehicles on campus? Freshmen are allowed to have cars on campus. They must register their car (no fee) and follow the college’s parking guidelines. Designated parking areas are assigned according to residence halls, and commuters have several lots available to them.
How safe is Milligan's campus? The Milligan campus is a very safe campus. Maintaining a secure campus environment is a college priority. In recent years Milligan has provided better lighting across campus, installed security cameras in key areas, changed locks and keys, and upgraded campus security procedures. The college contracts with a professional guard service to provide after-hours security. These individuals conduct inspections of campus buildings and patrol the campus throughout the night. Click HERE for more information about campus safety and security.
Is there a dress code? There is not a dress code. But Milligan students are expected to select clothing which is suitable for the various activities of the College. Faculty has the prerogative to determine appropriate attire for their classes and dismiss from class students who are not appropriately attired.
What is Milligan’s alcohol policy? Milligan is a dry campus. The College prohibits the use, possession and influence of alcohol on campus and at any college functions on or off campus. Furthermore, traditional-aged students may not use or have in their possession any alcoholic beverages at any time – on or off-campus. Violations will result in disciplinary options outlined in the Student Handbook.
Is there a campus post office? Yes. Students may register for a United States Postal Service box during Orientation. This becomes their official campus mailing address. Packages needing a physical address should be sent to: Student's Name, Residence Hall & Room #, c/o Milligan College Physical Plant, 130 Richardson Rd., Milligan College, TN 37682.
Is there an ATM on campus? Are there any national banks close by? Yes, there is an ATM in the Student Center serviced by State of Franklin Savings Bank. Carter County Bank is the closest bank to campus (1 mile). Many other national banks are located in both Elizabethton and Johnson City.
Do a lot of students stay on campus over the weekends? Yes, most undergraduate students stay on campus on weekends, although occasional weekend trips are common. There are Student Life activities planned each weekend and many social opportunities both on and off-campus.
What are the hours of the dining center? Milligan offers a continuous service meal plan for students. The Dining Center is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and students may enter any time they wish and eat whatever they want. The meal plan allows students to trade 15 meals per semester at the Student Center Snack Bar, more commonly called “The Grill.” Students may also purchase a “Snack Bar Plus” account, which provides a $50 meal credit line at the grill. This account is available to both residential students and commuters.
Is the fieldhouse available for use by all students? The fieldhouse and fitness equipment are open to all students. Athletic teams and academic classes have priority for use of the courts and pool, but there are plenty of public access hours available to all students.
Is there a curfew on campus? There is not a curfew. The Residence Halls are locked from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Your room key will open the doors of your residence hall.
Does Milligan have Greek life -- fraternities or sororities? No, Milligan does not have fraternities or sororities. Our residence halls have active programming and social activities that often result in tight-knit friendships and bonding among student groups.
Residence Halls
Are students required to live on campus? Yes. Milligan has traditionally been a residential college and continues to support the concept that community living as part of college life complements the academic experience and contributes to holistic development of the student. Therefore all students are expected to take room and board on campus. Exceptions include: any student who is married; any student who is living with a member of his/her own immediate family (parents, grandparents, married brother or sister); any student who has completed 128 semester hours or eight semesters of full-time academic work; any student whose total load for a given semester is less than 9 hours; any student who is a veteran of more than one year; any student who will be 23 years or older in the fall semester. More details can be found in the Student Handbook.
How are room assignments made? New student room requests arrive throughout the school year and are handled on a first come, first serve basis (students must be admitted, pay their deposit, submit their housing request form and their immunization form before housing assignments will be made). Upperclassmen have the choice of rooms for the next year, so no assignments are made for new students before the end of the preceding semester. If your request comes in early enough, you will be notified as to which residence hall you have been assigned by the first week in July. If you have requested to room with a certain student, every effort will be made to honor that request, and that request will take priority over residence hall choice. In other words, if you wish to live with an acquaintance and there are no double rooms available in the residence hall you prefer, we will place you both in another hall if there is a double room available there.
What are the housing options? Eighty-five percent of Milligan students live in residence halls or college-owned apartments. Milligan has six residence halls (three women, three men) and four student apartment buildings. Dorm rooms are arranged in suites, with a shared bathroom for every four students.
Where do freshmen live? Most freshmen are assigned to Sutton or Hart Hall (women) or Webb Hall (men).
Does Milligan have co-ed dorms? No. All Milligan residence halls are single-gender – there are three residence halls for men and three for women. Men and women may visit each other’s residence hall rooms during specified hours for Open House.
Do residence halls have a professional staff? Each Residence Hall has a Resident Director (RD) and Resident Assistants (RA) on staff to help residents with academic, housing, and personal problems, and to handle all emergency situations relating to life in the Residence Hall.
Are residence halls connected to a computer network? Yes, all college owned buildings, including residence halls, are connected on a network that provides access via computer to the campus-wide information system and Internet. Connections are plentiful enough so that every student in the residence halls may be hooked up simultaneously, and not have to share with a roommate. Additionally, 75 percent of the campus is covered by a wireless network.
Are the residence halls safe? Safety is a priority on the Milligan campus. The Residence Halls are locked from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Your room key will open the doors of your residence hall. Click HERE for more information on campus safety.
Are the dorms noisy? The residence halls are often full of activity and community-building, and can often be a busy and bustling place. Students are asked to maintain reasonable quiet levels from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. out of respect for other residence hall students.
Athletics
What “division” are Milligan's athletic programs? Milligan competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and is a member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). Click HERE for more information on athletics.
What sports are offered? Milligan offers scholarships in 20 intercollegiate programs. Men's programs include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, mountain biking, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field. Women's programs include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, mountain biking, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
What kind and amount of athletic scholarships are available? Milligan offers scholarships in 18 intercollegiate sports. Award amounts vary based on sport and the student's athletic ability and are at the discretion of the coach. Click HERE to contact a coach.
How many athletes are at Milligan? Milligan has over 200 athletes on campus, or approximately 25 percent of the undergraduate student body.
What are your school colors? Mascot? Black and orange. The mascot is the Buffalo, named after nearby Buffalo Mountain and Buffalo Creek.
Do you have intramurals? Yes. Intramurals are open to all students. Currently dodge ball, flag football, basketball, beach volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and softball are offered, but new activities are often added.
Location
Where in Tennessee are you located? Milligan lies in the northeast corner of Tennessee, not far (30 minutes) from North Carolina and Virginia. The campus is three miles from I-26 and 30 minutes from Tri-Cities Regional Airport. Click HERE for directions and a map.
What is Milligan's physical address for my GPS navigation? 1 Blowers Blvd, Milligan College, TN 37682. Some navigation companies have the college mismarked on their maps, so be sure to visit our website for specific directions to campus.
What is there to do off campus? Milligan has a great location. Our beautiful 181-acre campus is within minutes of Elizabethton, Johnson City, and the Tri-Cities TN/VA region. Students enjoy theaters, parks, historical locations, restaurants, and shopping malls. They can explore the breathtaking mountains by hiking or camping in state parks and national forests near the campus; visit local lakes and rivers for outdoor recreation; or ski one of the five nearby ski slopes. Milligan is only an hour drive to historic Asheville, NC, and two hours from Knoxville and the Gatlinburg/Sevierville/Pigeon Forge area. Click HERE for more about our region and things to do.
Home | About Milligan | Admission | Academics | Student life Spiritual life | Athletics | Alumni & friends Milligan College, P.O. Box 500, Milligan College, TN 37682 800.262.8337 | 423.461.8730 | admissions@milligan.edu
