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MILLIGAN, Tenn. (Sept. 18, 2023) — Milligan University celebrates a strong enrollment this fall. The university announced a 10% increase in total enrollment and one of the largest first-time freshman classes in the school’s history.
Milligan’s international student population also continues to increase, comprising eight percent of the student body. Milligan’s student body consists of students from 42 states and 38 countries.
The university continues to prioritize retention, with an overall undergraduate retention rate of 93%, and a freshman-to-sophomore retention rate of 84%. These retention rates far exceed the national average.
Milligan University also ranks No. 15 among regional universities in the South according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Colleges report, released today.
Milligan was the only institution in northeast Tennessee to be named among the top 15 regional universities in the South, and one of only five Tennessee institutions listed among the top 20 in any category for both private or public colleges and universities.
“Milligan’s long-term success in rankings, enrollment and outcomes stem from our commitment to mission,” said Milligan President Dr. Bill Greer. “With everything we do, we focus on our mission of honoring God by educating men and women to be servant-leaders. This singular focus inspires our faculty, staff and student’s relentless pursuit of excellence, as well as our commitment to helping every student succeed.”
U.S. News ranked Milligan as a best value college, ranking No. 7, and the university moved up 24 spots from the past year to No. 8 in the ranking’s social mobility category.
U.S. News evaluates colleges and universities based on their retention and graduation rates, class size, the strength of the faculty, per-student spending, peer universities’ assessments and the average federal loan debt of graduates. For more information on U.S. News’ rankings, visit usnews.com/colleges.
Milligan was also recently ranked No. 7 for Best Colleges in Tennessee and No. 3 for Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee in Niche’s 2024 Best College Rankings.
Milligan’s value remains a priority as the total cost of a Milligan education continues to be below the national average for private colleges and universities. Upon graduation, nearly 100% of Milligan graduates are employed or in graduate school within one year.