Millikin University
Decatur, IL, USA

Reviews

Millikin University

Kristin from Springfield, IL

a current student here
14 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors are extremely knowledgeable in their respected subject areas. I feel like I am at the best school for my major and will get a great education that will set me up for a successful career. Most classes are under thirty students, so each student is able to at least make an appointment for one-on-one time with the professor is there is a misunderstanding in the class.
Am enjoying being here
Everyone I have met, faculty and students alike, are very personable and have made me feel welcome since day one. I met some of my best friends my freshmen year, and there is an ample supply of organizations on campus to keep students busy.
Bang for the buck
In terms of education, I feel I am getting what I am paying for. Room and board is extremely expensive, and, although I have a nice-sized room for one person, there is some updating that could happen. I also feel the meal plan is too limiting, especially for the cost. We are paying upwards of $1,000 for the meal plan, yet there are only two places on campus that accept it, and one of them only accepts the meal exchange during a certain time period.
Tips for prospective students
Definitely put your academics first. There will be plenty to do around campus, but it won't be nearly as fun if you're stressing out about classes all the time. You take out of college what you put into it. If you don't care and stay in your room 24/7, you won't take much out of it and probably won't have much fun. On the other hand, if you get involved with organizations galore, you will make plenty of new friends and have an amazing time.
Great for these types of students
Students wanting an academically-focused school
Students wanting a small, personable campus

Hilary from Des Plaines, IL

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
What I love about Millikin is the unique classes they offer. Yes, we all have to take a writing and research class as freshmen. But the professors create an interesting topic that you follow for the whole semester. One class studied the horror genre, while another was based around food. All the classes encourage you to be an analytical student, creating your own connections in order to apply what you learn to your daily life and future career.
Am enjoying being here
I hated high school--the people there were so fake. At Millikin, I've made some friends that I know will be in my life forever. If you like the fine arts, there's always a concert, play, art show going on, and there's always people outside playing frisbee or wiffleball in the quad.
Bang for the buck
With the small faculty-to-student ratio, it's so easy to get one-on-one help from teachers (one prefers to go by the nickname T-Dunk!). A traditional school will teach you formulaic answers, but at Millikin, you learn how to be a quick, analytical thinker...something all employers are looking for! However, it can get pretty pricey. If FAFSA screws you over and you don't receive a lot of financial aid, you might end up having a lot of loans upon graduation. If you're not going there for theater, music, nursing, or teaching, I'm not sure it's really worth it...
Tips for prospective students
Don't bring a U-Haul on move-in day! The rooms aren't that big! Apply on time and stay in contact with your admission counselor! I was getting a lot of money from a different college, and called up my admin counselor, and while they couldn't match the money I was being offered, they gave me a little extra grant money.
Great for these types of students
Millikin is great if you love a fine arts atmosphere...where you can walk around outside singing and not get looked at like you're a weirdo. If you love to sing, act, or dance, you don't have to be majoring/minoring in those areas to get involved, there are ton of opportunities for non-majors!

Meghan from Geneva, IL

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Classes are small which I feel help to develop stronger relationships with teachers, who take the extra time to make sure everyone understands, and make learning easier.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is really pretty, and it's small but if that is what you're looking for, then it's perfect. Students are incredibly easy going and nice.
Bang for the buck
Of course college is going to be expensive, but this was definitely one of my better options. With good grades, a merit scholarship can help drastically and over all, it's pretty decent as far as price goes.
Tips for prospective students
Take a visit before you decide and picture yourself living there. If you don't like where you are, it's hard to enjoy being there, regardless of classes or friends.
Great for these types of students
Music students

Amber from Windsor, IL

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am a nursing student at Millikin! We have a very high ranked nursing program that is very competitive and provides an excellent education and hands-on learning!
Am enjoying being here
The only downfall of going to Millikin is that it is in Decatur. The neighborhood isn't that great and neither is the pollution but if you ignore those it's great!
Bang for the buck
It is rather expensive being a private school and all, and the nursing program is a bit more costly; however, everything is much nicer here than at Eastern Illinois University (where I attended college my freshman year).
Tips for prospective students
Don't let the neighborhood and the cost drive you away! They work well with financial packages and have top-notch safety. A smaller campus community has a huge advantage. The professors actually care about their students, you get to know pretty much everyone, and the classes are smaller among other perks!
Great for these types of students
Those with an interest in nursing
Athletes
Those with an interest in fine arts
Students from smaller high schools
Students who enjoy making a lot of friends

Anna from Louisville, KY

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The gen education classes seem a little pointless to take, esp. CWRR which you are required to take even if you passed the AP test, which I did. The classes pertaining to one's major are extremely beneficial. They are challenging and still intriguing. I can tell the education I am getting here is a lot more advanced than most other schools based on talking to people at different schools with the same major. Millikin is great with dealing with hands on activities.
Am enjoying being here
Though Decatur is a small city, Millikin creates enough activities to create a fun and new environment. Everyone here is really expressive and unique which allows even the shy quiet people to express themselves. Most people here are really excepting and welcoming.
Bang for the buck
The education is really worth the tuition. However the room and board can get pretty pricey. Also, the meal plans for freshman is an extremely high amount that most people never use each week, leaving them with wasted meal plans. Millikin does pretty well with handing out scholarships to worthy students.
Tips for prospective students
Understand that you are going to an extremely small school, take an overnight visit to campus and see if it is right for you.
Great for these types of students
Millikin is pretty well with reaching out to all kinds of students, but esp. theater and art majors, business majors, and sports education majors.

Tiffaney from North Las Vegas, NV

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Millikin University is a prestigious, small, but beautiful campus with small class sizes, quality one on one instruction, and tight knit community. Most of the university's funds are put towards academic scholarships and students of all social identities and backgrounds are welcome. Millikin graduates are highly successful with 97% of 2010 graduates gaining permanent employment or entering graduate/professional school within 6 months of graduation.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early and look into scholarships from the university as well as other sources. Look into applying for the Living-Learning Communities. These are residential halls geared towards grouping students of similar academic pursuits(i.e. business, fine arts, international studies) to create communities where students can provide acedemic support for one another. Also be sure to communicate well with your professors, a good relationship with your professors can help you reach greater academic heights as they will see just how serious you are about your education.
Academic Rigor
This is a HIGHLY academic school. You will have to work hard for your grades, but the knowledge you will gain is worth it. To the professors you are an individual and they take your perspective and ideas into account. As the years progress most majors transition from learning career skills to using and perfecting them in real-world situations.
Dorm Life
All residents halls are swipe access only and you only have access to your own building. Life in a residence hall is really what you make of it. You can hide in your room and study in solitude or join others in the lounge areas. Often times students from the same floor or building will get together to attend campus events, hang out, participate in community service events, and compete in inter-resident hall competitions. Freshmen also have First Week, a one week orientation where the students can adjust to campus life and get to know each other before the upperclassmen arrive.
Food and Dining
Besides a meal plan, students have Flex dollars which can be spent at places like the campus Einstein Bros. Bagels shop, the Big Blue Bistro, and the nearby Dominos and Subway. The cafeteria and the Bistro are the only places that accept the meal plan. The cafeteria is set up buffet style with a variety of choices including pizza, ethnic foods, and American classics. The Bistro offers a variety of sandwhiches, paninis, fruit smooties, and soups. Vegan and vegitarian options are available at both locations.
What to do for fun
While Decatur doesn't offer much in the way of fun. The University Center Board and other organizations host and co-host many campus events such as bingo nights where you can win prizes, laser tag, salsa dance night, talent shows, and UCB's Big Event which featured Sara Bareilles in 2011 and All Time Low in 2012. There are also a variety of theatrical productions throughout each semester at Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre, Millikin's student-run theatre company.
Bang for the buck
At Millikin I feel that I am getting a high quality education that is preparing me to be competitive and well qualified within my chosen careerfield. I have professors and advisors that I feel comfortable turning to with any acedmic or career concerns. I get the one on one help that I need and personal feedback on what I have mastered and how I can improve further. Although Millikin's pricetag may initially seem intimidating the university has a strong financial aid support program to help students find scholarships through the university and make good financial plans.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Bronzeman is a bronze statue on campus and is the closest thing we have to a physical mascot. Taking many pictures with the Bronzeman is considered a must many students. Un Bit Butter is a tradition of the theatre students where a select group of students perform 30 skits in 60 minutes once per semester. Vespers is an annual holiday performance involving all levels of chior that is well known through out the local area. At the annual Holiday Cookie Event all members of the campus community can come together and enjoy holiday music and baked goods made by the staff and faculty. In the spring the theatre students organize a Quidditch tournament based on the fictional sport of the Harry Potter series.
Great for these types of students
Students looking for a small town feel with a high academic environment will feel right at home at Millikin. Millikin also boasts high diversity within the the student population including international students.
Clubs and Activities
There are a wide variety of groups for students of different ethnic, religious, and social identities. There are also a wide variety of intramural sports and special intrest groups. There are so many opportunities that every student is sure to find something to enhance their college exerience.
Greek Life
Greek groups for men include Tau Kappa Epsilon, Delta Sigma Phi, Alpha Tau Omega, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and the newly founded Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. Greek groups for women include Delta Delta Delta, Pi Beta Phi, Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, Inc. There is also a chapter of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity which is co-ed.
Campus Safety
Not only do students have individual room keys, all residential buildings have swipe card security. If an ID card is lost or stolen campus security can deactivate the card preventing anyone from accessing the student's building and from using their meal plan. Security also has a Send Word Now system that is used to alert students by email, phone call, or text message about any happenings on campus. You can also request a free Saferide when traveling across campus after dark. If traveling shorter distances you can also request an officer to escort you as you walk to your destination. The security team is always reminding students to stay alert be aware of their surroundings, walk in groups, and report any suspicious activity or people immediately.

Nicole from Gilman, IL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Millikin's professors are fantastic, and they are enthusiastic about what they teach. They know what they're talking about, and their passion is reflected when they are lecturing us or handing out assignments. I am getting a true education here.
Am enjoying being here
I love the scenery and the buildings on campus. It is gorgeous, and I love walking around campus just to see the beauty of the outdoors. I have had a few problems here where I have slipped through the system, but I believe that everything is worked out now.
Bang for the buck
While Millikin is expensive, it is well worth the price. You will get the education that you are paying for, and the dorms are taken care of quite well. The food gets a little boring after a while, but it is still prepared well and tastes good. Millikin is worth going to for the education, the experience, and the friends you'll make.

Brandon from Round Lake, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Millikin is a fantastic, tight-knit community. It is a small, private college, meaning smaller class sizes and more individualized education. The school is best known for its renowned and immersive theatre, business, and nursing programs.
Tips for prospective students
-APPLY EARLY! You will get the best scholarships this way!
-Visit campus! It is a beautiful campus, and meeting a few professors in your major will help your chances of admission!
Academic Rigor
As a freshman stage management major, I am assigned to two shows this year, with plenty of other opportunities in Kirkland Fine Arts Center and Pipe Dreams Studio Theater. Millikin will keep you busy in class, but all for a purpose. Also, you will receive more attention as an individual and your professors will always be willing to help you out any time of day.
Dorm Life
Millikin is a very close community, and living in the residence halls is a fantastic experience! Most residence halls for first-year students have communal bathrooms, and all have a lounge space and kitchen and laundry areas available for use. The residence halls are a place where everyone keeps their door open (when they're in, of course) and friends just drop in whenever they want to hang out! For a freshman student, I recommend applying for a Living-Learning Community (LLC), which gathers students with similar interests to live on the same floor and share their passions. Plus, most LLCs are housed in Dolson Hall, which is one of the nicer residence halls on campus, featuring suite-style living, semi-private bathrooms, and air conditioning.
Food and Dining
Wornick Dining Hall is the one place on campus where you can use meals on your meal plan. They offer a good variety of food, and they offer traditional home-cooked specialties daily in addition to sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and a salad bar. Most vending machines accept Flex Dollars, as do Einstein Bros. Bagels in Shilling Hall, C3-X Convenience Shop in ADM-Scovill Hall, Big Blue Bistro in RTUC, and Subway and Domino's near The Woods Apartments. Other nearby dining options include Hardee's, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Donnie's Homespun Pizza, Jimmie John's, Cherry Berry, and University Dogs. For groceries, there is a CVS, Dollar Tree, and a couple of convenience stores within walking distance and Walmart, Target, and Kroger within 15 minutes by car.
What to do for fun
There are constantly student-run events going on, as well as service opportunities (a requirement for freshman students and LLC residents).
Bang for the buck
You are getting a very personalized education here, as well as many great opportunities for success in the professional world. Millikin also offers plenty of scholarships and financial aid to soften the blow.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
-The Candlelight Ceremony is a fantastic experience that all first-year students will experience during First Week.
-Many locations on campus are rumored to be haunted, including, but not limited to, Old Gym, Aston Hall, Blackburn Hall, and Albert Taylor Theater.
Campus Safety
The Department of Public Safety does a great job keeping students safe on campus. They're only a phone call away to help in any situation, and they also maintain emergency call stations located throughout campus. They offer a variety of services, whether it's opening a locked door to a rehearsal space or a safe ride/walk. All residence halls are controlled by swipe-card access, so only residents with their ID card and other authorized personnel can access residence halls. Although parts of Decatur may seem shifty, the Millikin campus is extremely safe.

Bryant from Forsyth, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Millikin University is a great mid-sized liberal arts College. I love the hands on approach to learning here. The professors are very invested in helping you succeed.
Tips for prospective students
The campus environment at MU is like a big family. It is very comfortable and welcoming here. Please give it a try!
Academic Rigor
You will be challenged to be a better critical thinker at MU. Professors engage every student by using practical learning and applying what you learn to every day life.
Dorm Life
Community is the best word to describe campus life in our residence halls. The community is very diverse and everyone is challenged to step outside the box and learn more about each other.
Food and Dining
Dining is great. We have an Einstein Bagel Bros on campus! :)
Lots of dining options on and around campus.
What to do for fun
There are tons of student organizations to get involved in.
Bang for the buck
It is a private college, so tuition is more than a state affiliated college. You definitely get more bang for your buck!
Great for these types of students
It is a liberal arts college, by name. But each college is fantastic. Tabor School of Business, Fine Arts, Professional Studies, Arts and Sciences.
Clubs and Activities
Too many clubs and student organizations to even mention. Visit the website!
Greek Life
We have several of the major social Greek orgs as well as several service oriented orgs.
Campus Safety
We are a very contained campus and S & S Dept. is top of the line.
Crime always exists everywhere, its how well you take care of yourself and use your head.

Anon. from the South Suburbs

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Students at Millikin will find themselves bombarded with fantastic opportunities related to classwork and the many thriving student organizations. This school is great for anyone who is looking for a tight-knit community good faculty to student ratios, and a warm and friendly atmosphere. Millikin is a great school for students who are looking for academic challenges, as well as a welcoming environment that really does feel like home.
Tips for prospective students
If you are offered a spot in the honors program, go for it. It's challenging and fun, but won't stress you out or load you up with more work than you can handle. The interview is much less intimidating than you may think--just have fun with it, and enjoy the opportunity to meet some of your future professors!

Take advantage of visit days, go on tours, and stay overnight with a current student if you get the chance. This is a general tip for any school you might think about attending--find a place that feels like home, where you can see yourself living for four years.
Academic Rigor
Its possible to slide by without doing too much work at Millikin, as with many universities, but if you look to be challenged, you will be. You will receive a quality education from this school.
Dorm Life
I only lived in the dorms for one year, but it was a great experience. I became incredibly close with the other students in my dorm, and many of us have remained good friends. If I wasn't currently living in Greek housing, I honestly wouldn't mind continuing to live in the dorms as a upperclassman.

If possible, try to get a dorm room in Hessler or Dolson--the rooms are bigger and nicer in these dorms. However, you'll find a strong community and a quality living experience in really any of the dorms.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria food is not the greatest, and it is easy to get sick of after a few weeks. However, there are a lot of really great restaurants right around campus, many of them in very close walking distance--Donnie's Homespun Pizza, Lock Stock N Barrel, University Dogs, Mi Pueblito, and Einstien's Bagels--to name a few. There are also quite a few late night dining options on campus for all those night owls.
What to do for fun
There are over a hundred student organization on campus, so pretty much everyone can find a way to get involved. Consider going Greek, you'll meet a lot of fun and outgoing people, and have plenty of parties and events to keep you busy.

And here it is: there are parties. This is true for probably every college campus--if you look for the party scene, you'll find it. Even if you're not one to drink, pretty much everyone will be respectful of that, and you'll be able to have a good time anyway.
Bang for the buck
Quality education for a reasonable cost--most students receive a good amount of financial aid.
Clubs and Activities
There are TONS of clubs and activities. You will find your niche.
Greek Life
Even if you don't think of yourself as the kind of person who would join a fraternity or sorority, you may want to consider it at Millikin. Many of our Greek houses break the typical negative Greek stereotypes.

There are three panhellenic sororities, four IFC fraternities, and a few multicultural groups.

Millikin waits until the Spring for formal recruitment, so first year students have a lot of time to consider whether or not they want to go Greek, and can get acclimated to the campus first.