Milligan University recently announced a financial aid policy that will prohibit future student-athletes from stacking athletic scholarships with academic merit scholarships. This change will take effect for students entering in fall 2026.
The university’s financial aid webpage states, “Academic scholarships may not be combined with athletic scholarships and some other Milligan aid.”
“While we can’t discuss tactical specifics on strategy,” President Stephen Waers wrote, “we can say that the new athletics scholarship model is ultimately designed to help us pursue excellence in competition and to offer future students generous scholarship packages that continue to make a Milligan education affordable.” The university did not provide further explanation on the policy in time for the deadline.
The policy change has raised concerns among student-athletes. For prospective athletes—especially those with strong academic achievement—the new policy may complicate their college decision-making. Many recruits receive competing offers from other institutions, which could influence their choices. If athletes choose to attend Milligan, they must choose between academic aid or athletic scholarship, not both. “For some athletes, this could make it harder to become a Buffalo financially, which may affect recruiting and the overall strength of our teams,” said track and field athlete Zion Reddick. “I just hope that whatever direction is taken still supports the future athletes who make Milligan athletics amazing.”
Waers said that about 80% of the university’s undergraduate students are athletes. While the policy will not affect current student-athletes, the large percentage illustrates concerns about how it could affect the campus community and the future of Milligan’s athletic program.
Milligan University lists total cost for a year before aid at $49,650 according to the financial aid webpage. Academic awards range from $12,000 to $25,000 per year, while athletic scholarship amounts vary based on performance levels. Under the new policy, many student-athletes may pay half or more of their tuition out of pocket, depending on the aid option they take.
In comparison, Johnson University, an NAIA competitor that also enforces a no-stacking scholarship policy, has a cost of $31,664 for a year.
Waers assured student-athletes in an email Thursday that the recent changes will not damage the athletic program.
“The changes you have noticed in athletics do not indicate a weakening of our commitment to athletics at Milligan,” Waers wrote. “We remain committed to continuing the excellence our athletic programs have already achieved and pursuing new levels of excellence in the future.”
With many questions still unresolved, Waers spoke at a SGA town hall Monday night in the Gregory Center. This event allowed student-athletes an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns.
Cover Photo: Virginia Rainer swimming at Keydet Invite by Spencer Hall