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U.S. News & World Report released the 2025 “Best Colleges” report today, ranking Milligan University No. 17 among the Best Regional Universities in the South and in the top 10 for best value.

This week’s rankings follow the start of another academic year where Milligan boasts a strong enrollment. Over the past two years, the university has increased its overall enrollment by 12 percent.

“Milligan’s strong rankings and growing enrollment show the critical importance of quality Christian education,” said Milligan President Dr. Stephen Waers. “Now, more than ever, our world and country need more servant-leaders formed by Milligan’s commitment to scholarship, community and faith.”

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’s value remains a top priority as the total cost of a Milligan education continues to be below the national average for private colleges and universities. Additionally, upon graduation, nearly 100 percent of Milligan graduates are employed or in graduate school within one year.

This fall, Milligan has 1,238 students enrolled and a first-year class size of 286. This year’s first-year class outpaces Milligan’s five-year average.

“We are excited to have welcomed another strong class to Milligan this fall,” said Lauren Gullett, vice president for enrollment management. “Milligan’s continued growth is a testament to the hard work of our staff, coaches and faculty as we recruit, train and educate men and women to become servant-leaders.”

The international student population continues to increase, comprising nine percent of the student body. This year, Milligan’s students hail from 39 states and 42 countries.

The university continues to prioritize retention, with an overall undergraduate retention rate of 91 percent, and the freshman-to-sophomore retention rate rose to 82 percent, the highest percentage in the past 10 years. These retention rates far exceed the national average.