Accounting at Millikin University

Millikin's accounting program costs more than the typical Illinois accounting degree ($28,320 vs. $23,452 median debt) while delivering below-average outcomes—both nationally and within the state, landing at the 40th percentile among Illinois schools. First-year graduates earn $51,680, about $3,000 less than the state median, and even after four years, earnings reach only $58,322. That's roughly $16,000 below what nearby Bradley University grads make at the same point, and nearly $12,000 behind the state's top-tier programs.

The good news: the debt load, while above state average, remains manageable with a 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe about half their first-year salary. The 13% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests solid career progression once employed. However, these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so they may not reflect the full picture.

For families paying private school tuition at Millikin, these numbers should prompt a serious cost-benefit conversation. Illinois offers strong public accounting programs and competitive private alternatives that deliver significantly higher returns. Unless Millikin offers substantial financial aid or unique placement advantages, families might find better value elsewhere in the state's accounting landscape.