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Milligan University

Milligan, TN

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Ago Deo Fideo Et Amore(Go with God in Faith and Love)

1866
Founded
Private university
Type
783
Total Students
755
Undergrad
350
Graduate
$60M
Endowment
(2025)
$39K
Tuition (In-State)
$39K
Tuition (Out-State)
$21K
Avg Net Price
70%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
6-year
79%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Stephen Waers

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Milligan University

Milligan University: A rich history shaping tomorrow's leaders since 1866.

Milligan University, a distinguished private institution founded in 1866, offers an intimate and values-driven educational experience. With a student body of 1,105, Milligan fosters a close-knit academic community where personalized attention and a strong sense of belonging are central to the student journey. Guided by its profound motto, "Ago Deo Fideo Et Amore" (I act by God, Faith, and Love), the university is dedicated to nurturing both the intellect and character of its students.

The university boasts a remarkable history, demonstrating its commitment to service and adaptability. Notably, during World War II, Milligan became the only college in the nation to completely turn its facilities over to naval training programs, hosting the V-12 Navy College Training Program from 1943 to 1945. This unique chapter underscores Milligan's enduring spirit and its capacity to contribute to broader national endeavors.

As a private institution, Milligan is deeply rooted in its core values, which inform its community standards and educational philosophy. These principles are outlined in documents such as the one drafted in 2015 detailing the administration's views on homosexuality. The university’s adherence to its institutional principles drew public attention in 2020 following an administrative decision to terminate a professor for being in a same-sex relationship.

Prospective students and their families seeking an education grounded in a rich heritage, a close community, and clearly defined values will find Milligan University to be a distinctive and impactful choice for their academic pursuits.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1866 as a private university with a long-standing tradition of academic excellence.
  • Fosters an intimate learning environment with a student body of 1,105, ensuring personalized attention.
  • Operates with a substantial endowment of $0.1 billion, supporting its mission and programs.
  • Holds the unique distinction of being the only college in the nation to fully dedicate its facilities to the V-12 Navy College Training Program during WWII (1943-1945).
  • Guided by the inspiring Latin motto: "Ago Deo Fideo Et Amore" (I act by God, Faith, and Love).

Timeline

1866
Milligan University founded.
1943
Became the only college in the nation to completely turn its facilities over to naval training programs (V-12 Navy College Training Program).
1945
The V-12 Navy College Training Program concluded its use of the campus.
2011
Bill Greer (Milligan Class of 1985) appointed as the 15th president.
2015
Administration drafted a document detailing its views on homosexuality.
2020
The university drew attention for views and actions related to gay and lesbian people, following a professor's termination.
🏛️
160 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Stephen Waers
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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