Student Financial Services

Milligan is committed to keeping college affordable for our students. 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. We also have a variety of payment plans that make budgeting easier for you and your family.

Milligan Value – Spend less, borrow less, get a better education

There are many college and university choices and, on the surface, many may look a lot like Milligan, but few can claim and prove our outcomes with exceptional academic quality, student satisfaction, and graduate success. Since Milligan students spend less and borrow less than most college students, you can see what a tremendous value a Milligan education is.

Total cost is $6,500 below the national average for private colleges and universities
Average net cost after scholarships and aid is usually less than half, since most students receive generous aid. For families with lower incomes, the average net cost is within $1-2,000 of state school rates
Room and board is lower than any other school in the region, including the state university, and $5,000 less than the national average for private college
Average loan debt at graduation is $3,300 below the national average
Milligan awards more institutional aid—more than most private schools and $11,400 more than the local state university
Read more about Milligan’s value »

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The 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 University at a far higher percentage than most colleges and universities 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 University’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 university »

Read more about the value of The Milligan Difference »

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 University 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 University would be significantly higher.

Student Account

Things You Must Know

Payment Due Before Classes Start

All financial aid processes should be completed and the remaining balance paid before the first day of class. Registration will be cancelled for students who have not completed ALL financial aid processes AND paid the balance due by the registration cancellation date. See the Milligan Catalog for more details.

BEFORE FIRST DAY OF CLASS

The following should be completed before the first day of class:

Pay entire balance due or enroll in the Tuition Payment Plan
Sign and return Financial Aid Offer
Complete master promissory note
Complete on-line entrance interview for first time borrowers
Return all documents requested for verification, if applicable
Submit pre-approval for alternative loans
Submit final high school transcript
Complete Parent Plus loan application, if applicable
Communicate to SFS all payments expected from VA or 529 savings plans
Submit immunization form

This is not an exhaustive list of tasks which might need to be completed. See your SFS counselor about your specific situation.

Any student with an unpaid balance at the end of the day on the registration cancellation date will have their registration cancelled and will no longer be allowed to attend classes. In order to re-enroll, students will have to satisfactorily resolve all financial issues and will be assessed a $100 re-enrollment fee.

Charges

Charges shown on the student statement include tuition, fees, room and board. Once you enroll, you are liable for all charges.

Pending Financial Aid

Aid that is listed on the student statement is aid that has been awarded to you but is still in ANTICIPATED/PENDING status. Your financial aid will be posted to your student account upon verification of enrollment status after drop/add period ends and all necessary aid paperwork is completed. Pending aid does not include work study, outside scholarships, VA benefits, or payments from Section 529 savings plans.

Payment Options

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). You can also pay with cash, checks, credit/debit cards, or make payments online.

Charges

For a complete list of charges, visit Student Financial Services »

Work-study

If you have accepted work-study on your Financial Aid Offer, you will receive a work-study contract during the summer. Wages earned through work-study positions are paid twice monthly. If you have any questions about your work-study award, contact Student Financial Services at 800.447.4880.

If you have questions about your work-study job assignment, please contact the Scholarship Director at 423.461.8483.

Check Your Email for Notifications

Your Milligan University email account is used regularly to notify you of important information regarding your financial aid and/or student account.

Policies

Complete policies and detailed information regarding financial aid and student accounts can be found in the University Catalog.

Refund Policy

REFUND IN THE EVENT OF WITHDRAWAL FROM THE University

The University operates on an annual budget which necessitates advance planning and financial commitments to teaching staff and others whose services are essential to its operations. For this reason, no refunds are granted to those persons who are dismissed from the University for disciplinary reasons. The official date of withdrawal used to compute refunds is the date on which the student begins the official withdrawal process in the Student Development Office.

TUITION, ROOM, BOARD (TRADITIONAL UNDERGRAD, ADCP, MAH, MSC, MSPAS, MSOT, MED, MDiv, MAR, Ed.D., Ed.S.):

Tuition, room and board refunds are calculated on the following schedule:
Prior to first calendar day of the semester	100%
During first seven calendar days of the semester	90%
During the eighth through the fourteenth calendar days of the semester	75%
During the fifteenth through the thirtieth calendar days of the semester	50%
No refunds after the thirtieth calendar day of the semester or for unofficial withdrawals	0%

An exception is made for illness, in which case the 50% refund period is extended to the ninth week. Illness must be certified by a physician’s written statement.

The refund policies for the following programs are explained in the Catalog: MBA, MACM, DMin.

FEES REFUND SCHEDULE

Fees are only refundable during the first seven calendar days of the semester.

INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

Institutional scholarships are those scholarships granted by Milligan University .

In the event of withdrawal from the University, institutional scholarships will be applied using the following schedule:
Prior to first calendar day of the semester	0%
During first seven calendar days of the semester	10%
During the eighth through the fourteenth calendar days of the semester	25%
During the fifteenth through the thirtieth calendar days of the semester	50%
After the thirtieth calendar day of the semester	100%

REFUND IN THE EVENT OF WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS

The schedule of refunds for withdrawal from a class is different from above. Since the University charges the same tuition for traditional undergraduates enrolled in 12-18 hours, there is no refund for withdrawing from a class if the total hours, before and after withdrawal, is within the 12-18 range. If the new total hours are fewer than the original total, the following schedule will apply:

If the new total hours are fewer than the original total, the following schedule will apply:
Prior to first calendar day of the semester	100%
During first seven calendar days of the semester	90%
During the eighth through the fourteenth calendar days of the semester	75%
During the fifteenth through the thirtieth calendar days of the semester	50%
No refunds after the thirtieth calendar day of the semester or for unofficial withdrawals	0%

See the Catalog for information regarding refunds from withdrawal of a course in Graduate & Professional Studies programs.

RETURN OF TITLE IV FUNDS (FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID)

In addition to the overall institutional refund policy requirements, the University is required to follow the regulations mandated by the Department of Education pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act for any student who receives Title IV Federal Aid. The Return of Title IV Fund calculations may result from the student withdrawing, dropping out, being expelled from the institution, or failing to complete the program on or after the student’s first day of class for the period of enrollment for which the student was charged. Further explanation of the Return of the Title IV Funds is included in the Milligan University Catalog. Examples of the Return of Title IV Fund calculations are available in Student Financial Services.

REFUND POLICY FOR COURSE FEES

Course fees will be refunded if the student drops the class within the first seven calendar days of the semester. After this time, fees will not be refunded.

Loan Counseling

Entrance Loan Counseling

If you are a new borrower or transfer student and your financial aid package includes a Federal Stafford Loan or NEW Graduate PLUS Loan, you are required to complete Entrance Loan Counseling before funds can be disbursed. The session allows you to review loan information and answer questions which demonstrate that you understand your rights and responsibilities as a borrower. At the end of the interview, you can print your confirmation that you have completed the interview for Milligan University.

There are separate Entrance Loan Counseling Interviews for Federal Stafford and Graduate PLUS Loans. Since each loan has different requirements, you must complete the session associated with your loan award, or both sessions if your financial aid package includes both.

Click here for Entrance Loan Counseling »

Exit Loan Counseling

All student borrowers who have graduated, withdrawn or dropped below half-time enrollment status are asked to complete an online Exit Counseling Interview. There are separate Exit Loan Counseling Interviews for Federal Stafford and Graduate PLUS Loans. You must complete each session separately if you have all types of loans. The interview allows you to review loan information and answer questions which demonstrate that you understand your rights and responsibilities as a borrower. At the end of the interview, you can print your confirmation that you have completed the interview for Milligan University.

Click here for Exit Loan Counseling »

Staff

General Information

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Office of Student Financial Services
PO Box 250
Milligan, TN 37682
800.447.4880
E-mail the Financial Aid Office

Code of Ethics and Conduct

Milligan University is a member of NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators). The Milligan University Student Financial Services Office and staff have adopted the NASFAA Code of Ethics and NASFAA Code of Conduct to insure good business practices in all day to day activities of the Student Financial Services Office. Copies of the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct are available for review in the Student Financial Services Office.