Milikin vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

Compare Millikin University in Decatur, IL with Columbia College in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia College is larger than Milikin based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 1,586 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Millikin University is located in Decatur, IL (Small City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Millikin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Millikin University 10:1; Columbia College 12:1.

Milikin vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Milikin or Columbia College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Columbia College than Milikin ($18,790 vs. $22,813).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 31.4% lower than at Millikin University ($9,390 vs. $13,695).
• Millikin University is 21.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $4,678 more per year; $26,892.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.1% higher at Milikin than at Columbia College (about $4,678 more per year; $26,892.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Millikin University than at Columbia College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Millikin University students is 111.1% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($34,733 vs. $16,451).

Milikin vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Milikin or Columbia College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Columbia College and Milikin.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Millikin University (1000) is the same as at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Milikin students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Millikin University 860/1130; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Millikin University 18/25; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Milikin - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Milikin (3.4).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Milikin (66.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10% at Milikin vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

Milikin vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Milikin and Columbia College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Millikin University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Columbia College's (50%).
• Graduates from Millikin University earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $1,736 lower median loan debt than Milikin graduates ($25,264 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Milikin graduates ($261 vs. $279).
• More Milikin graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 43%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.