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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $33,880 |
| Tuition and Fees | $38,508 |
| Room and Board | $9,705 |
| Books and Supplies | $9,741 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$13,157 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $20,723 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $15,430 |
| $30–48k | $16,456 |
| $48–75k | $18,140 |
| $75–110k | $20,620 |
| $110k+ | $24,047 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
The Citadel graduates carry a median debt load of $21,096, essentially matching the peer median of $21,105. Debt levels span from $8,094 at the 25th percentile to $26,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating moderate variation in borrowing patterns.
The debt percentile of 63% places The Citadel above average nationally for debt levels. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $32,149 with monthly payments of $423, representing additional family financial commitment.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 indicates manageable debt levels relative to post-graduation income. Despite higher net prices than peers, debt levels remain controlled, suggesting that families find ways to cover costs through savings, military benefits, or alternative funding sources.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
The Citadel represents a strong educational investment despite higher costs than peer institutions. Graduates earn $11,652 beyond expectations, ranking at the 87.5th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
Median earnings of $72,085 rank in the 88th percentile, while debt levels remain manageable at $21,096. The institution outperforms peers by $21,969 in annual earnings while maintaining similar debt levels.
This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 supports successful loan repayment and long-term financial stability. The Citadel ranks among the top 25% for earnings beyond expectations and median earnings, indicating strong return on educational investment.
The Citadel's financial aid profile reflects moderate support relative to its specialized mission. With 19.2% Pell-eligible students, the institution serves fewer low-income students than typical public colleges.
The gap between sticker price ($31,943) and average net price ($21,002) represents $10,941 in aid per student. Net prices by income demonstrate progressive aid distribution, with lower-income families receiving substantial support.
The aid concentration toward lower-income tiers aligns with federal and state funding patterns, though the overall aid levels result in higher net costs than peer institutions. Students should expect modest financial aid packages compared to larger public universities with more extensive endowments and state funding.
