In April, the track and field team announced  they were bringing in the second-largest recruiting class of all time. Then, two days later, they announced the signing of three more scholarship runners.

 

Despite rising tuition costs, the vast majority of the athletes have made clear their plans to return to Milligan in the fall of 2016. Some athletes state that the school’s good reputation is the reason they’re staying.

 

“Tuition is bound to rise, and even though I’m paying an extensive amount, I feel like it’s worth it,” said sophomore dancer Maria Barnes. “The school offers a lot of opportunities.”

 

Despite athletes choosing to stay at Milligan, many are unhappy with the rising costs. Milligan's total tuition per semester this year was $14,400, and the 5 percent increase that was announced last month will make the fall tuition $15,125.

 

“To be honest, one of the main reasons I’m not transferring is because I don’t want to deal with a transition,” said junior volleyball player Nathan Gibson. “Yeah, the tuition increase isn’t ideal, but I don’t want to try the ‘new college thing’ again.”

 

Every year the school sends out an email to the students explaining tuition increases, as well as a chart that details where the money is going. The emphasis is on the fact that Milligan’s cost is well below the national average for private schools.

 

“I’m kind of tired of that email,” said Gibson. “They tell us it’s still cheaper to go here than other places. Like, I know there are more expensive schools out there, but this one is still really expensive.”

 

Prices obviously haven’t risen too high to drive off the athletic recruits yet.