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Undergraduate Student Aid

Milligan students spend less and borrow less than most college students. And our educational outcomes are well-above our peers, providing you the best education and student experience. We’re recognized as one of the best colleges and best values in the South by U.S. News & World Report and Washington Monthly.  At Milligan, you get affordable quality.

  • Milligan’s total cost is $7,500 below the national average for private colleges
  • Milligan’s room and board is the lowest in the region and $5,000 below the national average
  • Milligan’s average net cost after scholarships is considerably less, since most students receive generous aid
  • Milligan graduates have less loan debt than most schools — $5,000 below the national average

Milligan is committed to keeping college affordable for our students. We’ll work with you individually every step of the way. Check out our generous scholarships aid below.

MILLIGAN VALUE »

Scholarships & Grants

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 low, while maintaining a high quality 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.

Scholarships

New students should click here to see Scholarship & Grant programs »

Work Study

  • Federal Work Study (FWS) – NEED-BASED

    • This program provides part-time jobs on-campus for students with financial need as established by the FAFSA.
    • Students are paid the current federal minimum wage, from $1,015 to $2,030 annually.
    • The maximum amount a student may earn depends on financial need and the amount of funding the college has for the program.
    • Eligibility does not guarantee employment but does give students the opportunity to apply for available FWS positions.

  • Milligan College Work-Study Employment – NON-NEED BASED

    • Awarded to full-time (12 credit hours) students who desire work and meet eligibility requirements.
    • Students are paid the current minimum wage. From $1,015 to $2,030 annually.

Student Loans

Federal Loans

Federal loans are financial aid that must be repaid, with interest. Few students can afford to pay for college without some form of educational financing. Most students find that they must supplement their savings with loans.

You can view the balance of your federal student loans on the National Student Loan Data System at www.nslds.ed.gov. You will need to use the Federal PIN that served as your electronic signature on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to sign in to this website.

Need-Based Loans

  • Federal Direct Stafford Loans: Subsidized

    • Loans that are subsidized by the U.S. Department of Education.
    • Interest is paid for you while you’re in school at least half-time and during a period of deferment (a postponement of loan payments).
    • The currently published interest rate for 2018-19 is 5.05%.
    • The maximum loan is $3,500 for first-year students; $4,500 for second-year students; and $5,500 each subsequent year, up to $23,000 over a five-year period.
    • For new student loan borrowers: These loans require Entrance Loan Counseling for all first time borrowers and Exit Loan Counseling for all borrowers who are graduating, not returning to Milligan, or have dropped below at least a half-time enrollment status.

Applying

After you have accepted your loan awards by signing and returning your Award Letter, you will need to complete your Master Promissory Note. All students accepting a Direct Stafford Loan award must complete a MPN before receiving their first Stafford Loan at Milligan College.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan funds will not be disbursed unless a valid MPN is on file and Milligan College has originated your loan with the Department of Education. Even if your package includes both types of Stafford (sub and unsub) loans, only one MPN is necessary. It is valid for 10 years.

Non-Need Based Loans

  • Federal Direct Stafford Loan: Unsubsidized

    • This companion program differs from the regular Stafford Loan in that the government does not subsidize the interest.
    • Interest accrues for the full duration of the loan, although there are no prepayment penalties.
    • Available to all students.
    • The currently published interest rate for 2018-19 is 5.05% for undergraduates (6.60% for graduates)
    • The base annual amount for Subsidized/Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is $3,500 for first year undergraduate students; $4,500 for second year undergraduate students; and $5,500 for third year and above undergraduate students.
    • In addition to the annual base loan amounts, there is an additional annual Unsubsidized Stafford Loan eligibility of $2,000 for undergraduate students.

For new student loan borrowers: These loans require Entrance Loan Counseling for all first time borrowers and Exit Loan Counseling for all borrowers who are graduating, not returning to Milligan, or have dropped below at least a half-time enrollment status.

Applying

After you have accepted your loan awards by signing and returning your Award Letter, you will need to complete your Master Promissory Note. All students accepting a Direct Stafford Loan award must complete a MPN before receiving their first Stafford Loan at Milligan College.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan funds will not be disbursed unless a valid MPN is on file and Milligan College has originated your loan with the Department of Education. Even if your package includes both types of Stafford (sub and unsub) loans, only one MPN is necessary. It is valid for 10 years.

  • PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) and Graduate Students

    • A Federal Direct PLUS Loan is a credit-based loan for parents of undergraduate students and for graduate students. It must be repaid.
    • Graduate students may benefit from using the PLUS loan as opposed to an alternative loan because students may not qualify for an alternative loan based on credit history, or the interest rate may be higher than the 6.31% Direct PLUS Loan interest rate.
    • The currently published interest rate for 2018-19 for Federal PLUS Parent or Graduate Loan is 7.60%.

For new student loan borrowers: The Graduate PLUS Loan requires Entrance Counseling for all first-time borrowers and Exit Loan Counseling for all borrowers who are graduating, not returning to Milligan, or who have dropped below at least half-time enrollment status. If you need assistance in determining the amount to borrow, please contact Student Financial Services.

Applying

If you are a parent borrower, you may apply for the Federal Direct PLUS Loan. The student must file the FAFSA.

In addition, you must complete the PLUS Loan Request Process and Master Promissory Note (MPN) for the Federal PLUS Loan. The Department of Education will notify the Student Financial Services Office that you have completed the PLUS Request Process and the MPN. The acknowledgement that the PLUS Loan has been approved must be received no later than Registration day.

Alternative Loans

After exhausting all other forms of financial aid, students may consider Alternative Loan programs as an additional source of funding. Alternative Loans are non-federal loans. They are credit-based loans that may be used as supplemental resources for paying college colleges. Students should exhaust all federal aid opportunities first. Interest rates for Alternative Loan programs are based on the student’s credit rating or the credit rating of the co-borrower. A co-borrower may be required, depending on the student’s credit history.

Applying

To apply, you must submit an Alternative Loan Request Form to Student Financial Services, and complete the application and other necessary paperwork for your chosen lender.

An alphabetic listing of lenders that Milligan College students have utilized over the last 3 years is listed here. This list is in no way exclusive or exhaustive of all existing lenders. You have the right to select any lender you wish for an Alternative Loan. If your lender is not listed, please contact the Student Financial Services Office for further instructions regarding the loan process. The Student Financial Services Office will process your loan quickly and accurately regardless of the lender you choose.

Alternative/Private Loan Regulations
(Title X of the Higher Education Opportunity Act)

Effective February 14, 2010, both private lenders and institutions offering private loans to students must comply with new regulations per the Federal Reserve Board.

Under these laws, a lender offering private loans for postsecondary education expenses must first provide a disclosure about loan terms and features at the time of application and must disclose information about federal student loan programs that may offer less costly alternatives. If the initial application reaches an approval status, a second loan disclosure statement must be provided to the student at that time. If a student accepts the loan terms provided in the second disclosure statement, a third final disclosure must be provided when the loan is consummated.

An additional piece of these private loan regulations require an applicant to complete a “self-certification form” and return it to the lender before they may disburse the loan to the school. The “self-certification form” may be found at the lender’s website or you may request this form from the Student Financial Services Office.

Each alternative loan lender may have a slightly different application process; therefore, it is best to contact your alternative loan lender directly if you have any questions.

Finally, a lender must provide the student with a 3-day rescission or “right-to-cancel” period after the final loan disclosure form is sent to the student. The 3-day rescission period means that once the school has certified your loan and it is ready to be disbursed, there is a mandatory 3-business-day waiting period before the lender may disburse loan funds to the school. If a lender only offers a mailed Final Disclosure (not online) then they must wait 6 days to disburse the loan to the school (3 days for mail time and an additional 3 day “rescission or right-to-cancel” period).

If you have any questions related to these regulations, please contact the Student Financial Services Office.

Private Aid

Non-Milligan Assistance (NMA) and Outside Scholarships

These are scholarships awarded to the student by an outside source. These scholarships are credited directly to the student’s account. Receipt of any outside scholarship may reduce the total award package per federal regulations. You are required to report outside scholarship awards to Student Financial Services. Report the annual amount of the scholarship on your award letter.

If you are searching for private scholarships, be sure to use a reputable source (you should never have to pay for scholarship information — beware of scams).

Reputable sources we recommend include:

  • www.fastweb.com
  • www.ecampustours.com

Veteran Aid

Milligan College is a veteran-friendly institution. The college allows for military transfer credit, flexibility on registration and withdrawals due to deployments, and payment deferments while awaiting properly applied-for educational benefits. Milligan also waives college application fees for veterans and provides individual counseling during the application and admission process.

The college is among the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools which are doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students, according G.I. Jobs magazine.

The Registrar’s Office at Milligan College is pleased to help students who have served in the United States Armed Forces and now desire to attend college using their Montgomery G I Bill or VA Vocational Rehabilitation educational benefits. We look forward to assisting you to reach your education goals as well as those of dependents and or spouses of deceased soldiers through Dependents Educational Assistance.

For additional information on Veteran Education Benefits, see the listing in the Catalog.

Actual Cost

EXPENSES for 2019-20 – TRADITIONAL UNDERGRAD
Most students receive substantial financial aid, so your actual cost is usually much lower than the published cost. In fact, Milligan’s average cost after aid last year was $19,000* (see how that compares to other schools »).  So don’t shop by “sticker price.” Explore all options with scholarships and grants, estimate your actual cost, and then consider the options to manage your balance.

Milligan also works hard to keep annual cost increases to a minimum while delivering an exceptional educational experience that has proven outcomes far superior to many other institutions. The 2019-20 cost increase is 2.8%, the lowest increase in more than 25 years. Recent years have hovered around 3% per year.

* This is the AVERAGE net cost, so some students pay more, some pay less, depending on their expected family contribution (EFC); state and federal aid; and athletic, academic, merit, and need-based institutional aid. Learn more »

TUITION & FEES before aid:
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.

Detailed Undergraduate Costs

2019-20 – TRADITIONAL UNDERGRAD
 CHARGES PER SEMESTER  PER YEAR
Tuition (12-18 hrs) $16,725  33,450
Board $1,825  3,650
Room (standard double room) $1,825  3,650
Student Activity Fee $200  400
Technology Access Fee $250  500
Health Fee $150  300
TOTAL $20,975  41,950
ROOM CHARGES PER SEMESTER  Vary depending on housing selection/assignment.
Webb, Sutton (double) $1,825
Hart (double) $2,025
Kegley, Quillen, Williams (double) $2,125
Student Apartment Suites (double) $2,650* *includes 75 block meal plan
Milligan Village $3,250* *includes 75 block meal plan
Singles, when available $200 additional
OTHER TUITION CHARGES
12-18 hrs (per semester) $16,725
1-11 hrs (per hour)  $930
Over 18 hrs (per hour)  $930
Summer School and Intersession (per hour)  $385
 FEES PER SEMESTER
Health Fee  $150
Student Activity Fee  $200
Technology Access Fee  $250
Life-time Academic Records Fee  $75  *one-time fee
PART-TIME TRADITIONAL DAY STUDENTS PER SEMESTER
Technology Access Fee (less than 6 hrs)  $125
Student Activity Fee (less than 6 hrs)  $100
Health Fee (charged to all traditional day students)  $150
Lifetime Academic Records Fee  $75  *one-time fee

Graduate & Degree Completion Costs

GRADUATE & DEGREE COMPLETION COSTS »

Estimate Your Actual Cost

Net Price Calculator – (currently being updated for 2019-20; information may not be a true estimate at this time)

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 package letters

FEBRUARY 1

  • Returning students begin to receive financial aid package letters
  • All students accept awards

NEW ENTERING Students

Click here for information about the financial aid process »

Current Undergraduate Students

Complete the FAFSA renewal every year by October 1 for priority consideration. Sign and return your Financial Aid Award Letter promptly. Determine your payment plan prior to the first day of 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 Plan

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.

Pay Online »

Payment Plan 2 – Tuition Payment Plan

Milligan offers an interest free payment plan that allows you to spread your tuition costs over nine or ten months if you cannot afford to pay tuition in a lump sum or to finance the difference between costs and financial aid. This plan can be used in conjunction with a Federal PLUS 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 semester only. For MBA and ADCP students, the enrollment fee is $85 for the entire program. You must enroll by the first day of classes. Click here for instructions on setting up the payment plan » 

Enroll Now »

Student Account: Things You Must Know

Notifications

Your Milligan College 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 college Catalog.

COURSE CANCELLATION Policy

Course schedules will be cancelled for students who have not submitted immunization records, all applicable transcripts, and completed ALL financial aid processes AND paid the balance due on their accounts before the first day of class. Students will not be able to eat in the cafeteria or grill using their meal plans after course schedules are cancelled. Meals can be purchased with cash from Pioneer during this time.

A $100 re-enrollment fee will be assessed to all students whose registrations are cancelled and who must re-register for classes. All financial issues will have to be addressed satisfactorily before a student will be able to re-register for classes. It will be the student’s responsibility to ensure their financial aid and student account balance have been addressed before the first day of class.

Course Cancellation Dates for 2018-19:

  • Fall: August 27, 2018
  • Spring: January 15, 2019

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 award letter
  • Complete master promissory note
  • Complete on-line entrance interview for first time borrowers
  • Return all documents requested for verification, if applicable
  • Milligan College Financial Aid Application (does not apply for incoming traditional undergrad students)
  • 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

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, missing transcripts, or missing immunization records after registration will have their course schedule cancelled and will not be allowed to attend classes. In order to re-enroll, students will have to satisfactorily resolve all 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.

Refund Policy

REFUND IN THE EVENT OF WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COLLEGE

The College 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 College 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 College.

In the event of withdrawal from the college, 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 College 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 College 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 College 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 College.

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 College.

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 College, TN 37682
423.461.8949 | 800.447.4880
E-mail the Financial Aid Office

Code of Ethics and Conduct

Milligan College is a member of NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators). The Milligan College 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.

Student Financial Services Counselors

Kimberly Harness

Kimberly Harness

Student Financial Services Counselor, Students last name A–K

Phone: 423.975.8050
Contact via email
Office: McCown Business Cottage

Read More ->

Amanda Sheppard

Amanda Sheppard

Student Financial Services Counselor, Students last name L–Z

Phone: 423.461.8967
Contact via email
Office: McCown Business Cottage

Read More ->