Citadel Military College Of South Carolina

The Citadel admits 98.1% of applicants, meaning nearly all students who apply receive an offer of admission. This places The Citadel in the Open Access category, with admission rates significantly higher than typical four-year institutions.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% highlights that even among similar public institutions, The Citadel maintains more accessible admission standards. However, the military college environment and rigorous lifestyle requirements create natural self-selection among applicants.

Students considering The Citadel should understand that admission represents only the first step in a highly structured military education experience. The combination of open admission with demanding military discipline means that success depends more on personal commitment and fit with the military environment than traditional academic credentials.

For this reason, prospective students should carefully research the military college lifestyle and consider whether they are prepared for the physical, mental, and social demands of cadet life. Building a college list around The Citadel should include both traditional civilian alternatives and other military service academies to ensure appropriate backup options.

The Citadel's published cost of attendance is $31,943 per year for in-state students and significantly higher for out-of-state students at $37,370 in tuition alone. The total includes $12,570 in-state tuition, $9,146 for room and board, and $9,741 for books and supplies.

However, the average student pays $21,002 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,941 from the sticker price. Net costs at The Citadel run $6,909 higher than the peer median of $14,093, reflecting the specialized military college environment and associated costs.

The higher net price compared to peers indicates that families should expect to pay more for The Citadel's unique military education experience. Financial aid savings average $10,941 per student, though this is more modest than the aid packages available at many public institutions.

Students should carefully consider the premium cost associated with the military college environment when making enrollment decisions. The cost structure reflects both the specialized nature of military education and the comprehensive support services provided in the highly structured environment.

The Citadel graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over time. Median earnings rise from $60,168 six years after enrollment to $67,667 at eight years and $72,085 at ten years, representing 19.8% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 776 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $11,652 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing The Citadel in the 87.5th percentile for earnings uplift.

Low-income graduates earn $54,500, ranking at the top 25% nationally among institutions we track. Earnings span from $48,175 at the 25th percentile to $94,558 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.

Approximately 21.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating the institution primarily prepares students for workforce entry. Compared to peer institutions with similar student demographics, The Citadel graduates earn $21,969 more annually, demonstrating the value of the military college model for career preparation.

The Citadel offers 10 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking. Civil Engineering ranks #29 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, producing 42 graduates with median earnings of $80,055 and a value score of 82.9.

Exercise Science and Kinesiology ranks #13 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, graduating 37 students with median earnings of $62,053 and an exceptional value score of 94.3. Corrections Administration ranks #103 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, graduating 64 students with median earnings of $50,808.

Mechanical Engineering, the institution's largest program, graduates 73 students annually with median earnings of $52,602. American Government and Politics graduates 49 students with median earnings of $52,055, ranking #175 nationally.

All programs at The Citadel are designated as top majors at the school, reflecting the institution's focused academic portfolio and specialized mission.