I attended Millikin University from 1992-1996. It seems like yesterday, but I know that many things can change in seven years. From everything I have seen and read, Millikin has changed for the better. And to me, that's saying a lot. I loved my time at Millikin. I loved the community it was, the athletics and the classes.

The Millikin Family
The administration does a great job of making new students feel welcome. They have worked hard at creating a "family" type atmosphere. When I was there we all had to take an eight week orientation class. What a fun way to meet people. Yes, we did all of the general things to learn about the school and to get acclimated to college life, but it was more than that. The last day of my class we were all invited to the professor's house for a little party. Things like this were not uncommon at Millikin. I see now that, as a freshmen, all student take the University Seminar. I assume that is similar to my orientation class.

Where everybody knows your name
Well, maybe not everybody, but most everybody. I personally loved knowing the names of the other students and teachers. I came from a small, private high school. There were 106 in my graduating class. I had been accepted at schools like Northern Illinois University, but was afraid it was too big and I would only be a number. This is not the case at Millikin. The average class size is 23. There are no large lecture classes like at many Universities. The student to faculty ratio is 13:1. This gives you many opportunities to get to know your professors on a personal level. Also, know that professors will be teaching your classes. The head of the department may even teach your introductory course. At many larger Universities these classes are taught by teaching assistants, many of them first year graduate students.

Aren't private schools expensive?
At first I was a bit worried about the cost of Millikin. I did not let that worry deter me and I soon got a great financial aid package. The financial aid department later worked with me to get even more money. It seems I was not alone: 96% of Millikin students receive financial aid. My parents paid for half of my first year of school. I paid for the rest. I didn't have a full time job. In fact I barely worked at all during the school year. I waited tables in the summer and during breaks and that paid for room, board and tuition (with some left over for beer money!)

The campus and social scene
Millikin has a beautiful campus. All of the buildings are brick and the landscaping is full of flowers. I always felt proud to walk around on campus. I didn't always feel safe though. When I attended Millikin, it was in a pretty bad area of town. In the last five years or so, Millikin has bought up most of the property surrounding the campus. This has extended the Millikin area and makes it safer. We were always told never to walk by yourself at night (I think this is a good rule wherever your go). I did at times walk to the library by myself though. Sometimes I had the good sense to call campus security (or the "Millipigs") to escort me. Decatur is not the most fun city to live in, but you really don't need to leave the campus to have a good time. The University always brings in top-notch comedians. When I was there I saw Jay Mohr and Jim Breuer. Someone was always having a party and for the over 21 crowd you have a couple of bars within walking distance. Lock Stock and Barrel is a great place to hang out.If you are interested in Greek Life, Millikin is home to five fraternities and three sororities

We do have to go to class, right?
Yes, I guess I should talk about about the academics at Millikin. I was a communication major and had a great experience. I worked at the campus radio station (WJMU) and did an internship at the local ABC affiliate (WAND). I ended up working at the TV station for two years after I graduated. Millikin is probably best known for its fine arts program. I saw some excellent productions when I was there. Millkin attracts and encourages some very talented people. The nursing school is also good. Most of my friends were business majors. All of them are making a lot more money than I am now! The acamdemic programs include:
in the College of Arts and Sciences:
English
History
Modern Languages
Philosophy
Religion
Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics and Computer Science
Physics and Astronomy
Division of Social Sciences
Behavioral Sciences
Communication
Education
Exercise Science and Sport
Political Science
College of Fine Arts, Directory
Art
Music
Theatre and Dance
School of Nursing
Tabor School of Business & MBA Program
Millikin Program of Student Learning
School of Education

Re-cap and other "Millifacts"
~~Ranked the best bachelor's degree comprehensive college in Illinois by U.S. News and World Report.
~~Rated a "Best Buy" in Barron's Best Buys in College Education
~~Academic Year: Fall and Spring Semesters, Summer Session and Intersession Immersion Courses
~~Student Body Size: About 2,400 students
~~Average Class Size: 23 students
~~Student/Faculty Ratio: 13:1
~~Male to Female Ratio: 56% female and 44% male
~~96% of Millikin students receive financial aid totaling more than $23 million annually
~~97% of students find employment or enter graduate/professional school within 6 months of graduation
~~Five fraternities and three sororities
~~Nine men's sports: baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, soccer, swimming, track and field, wrestling
~~Eight women's sports: basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, swimming, track and field, volleyball, softball
~~Division III, member of the CCIW

Recommended: Yes