Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at The Citadel vary significantly by field of study, with engineering programs delivering the highest earnings and specialized military programs providing unique career pathways. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment within the focused military college environment.
Analyzing 14 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase The Citadel's strongest performing programs across earnings, national rankings, and specialized military education outcomes.
#30 nationally
$62K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national rank, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Citadel Military College Of South Carolina.
Engineering programs at The Citadel deliver exceptional outcomes, with Civil Engineering ranking #29 nationally and #1 in South Carolina. These programs combine rigorous technical education with military leadership development, producing graduates earning $52,602-$80,055.
The military environment enhances engineering education through discipline and teamwork, creating strong preparation for both civilian and military engineering careers. Best suited for students seeking technical expertise within a structured leadership development framework.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering, General. | #30 | $80,055 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation earnings and career outcomes in the labor market rather than prestige or academic reputation. Differences in outcomes across programs at The Citadel stem from varying career paths, industry demand, and the military college's specialized preparation for certain fields. Engineering and specialized military programs benefit most from The Citadel's structured environment, while traditional liberal arts fields may show more modest outcomes. Data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates' earnings and debt levels. Cohort sizes indicate the number of students in each program, with larger programs providing more reliable outcome data. Rankings compare programs nationally within their specific fields, showing how The Citadel's military-focused approach performs against civilian institutions offering similar degrees.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 42 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #175 | $79,967 | — | 27 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #181 | $59,124 | — | 20 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #229 | $52,602 | $26,843 | 73 |
Business Administration at The Citadel produces graduates earning $63,953 with 21 graduates annually. The program ranks #250 nationally but benefits from the military college's emphasis on leadership and organizational skills.
Military-style business education emphasizes ethics, decision-making under pressure, and team leadership. This approach prepares students for management roles where military values align with business success, particularly in defense contracting and leadership-focused industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #247 | $63,953 | $43,370 | 21 |
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. leads health with 61K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.Small sample | #278 | $60,791 | — | 17 |
Biology graduates earn $38,289 with 29 students annually, ranking lower at #324 nationally. While earnings are modest compared to engineering, the military environment provides unique preparation for military medicine or research careers.
The structured approach to scientific education, combined with leadership development, creates pathways to specialized military science roles. Students should consider this program primarily if interested in military medicine or defense-related scientific careers rather than purely civilian biology paths.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acoustics.Small sample | — | $41,025★ | — | 6 |
| Biology, General. | #328 | $38,289 | — | 29 |
American Government and Politics graduates earn $52,055 and rank #175 nationally, reflecting The Citadel's strength in preparing public service leaders. With 49 graduates annually, this program leverages the military environment to develop understanding of government operations and civic leadership.
The combination of political science education with military discipline creates strong preparation for careers in government, law enforcement leadership, and public administration where structured decision-making proves valuable.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #171 | $52,055★ | $37,000 | 49 |
| Psychology, General.Small sample | #317 | $39,009 | — | 11 |
American History (United States). leads humanities & arts with 53K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States).Small sample | #82 | $53,322 | — | 19 |
Corrections Administration stands out with #103 national ranking and #1 state ranking, graduating 64 students earning $50,808. This program uniquely benefits from The Citadel's military structure, providing hands-on leadership experience relevant to corrections management.
The military college environment directly translates to criminal justice careers requiring discipline, authority, and organizational leadership. Best suited for students seeking law enforcement or corrections leadership roles where military training provides clear advantages.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #103 | $50,808 | $42,786 | 64 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology delivers exceptional value with #13 national ranking and earnings of $62,053 from 37 graduates. This program leverages The Citadel's physical fitness emphasis and military structure to create outstanding preparation for fitness leadership roles.
Command & Control Systems graduates 29 students earning $42,362 in highly specialized military technology roles. These programs excel by combining interdisciplinary approaches with military applications, creating unique career preparation unavailable at civilian institutions.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #13 | $62,053★ | $35,132 | 37 |
| Command & Control (C3, C4I) Systems and Operations. | — | $42,362 | — | 29 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
