Citadel Military College of South Carolina
The Vibe Check
The Citadel is defined by its rigorous Corps of Cadets program, fostering a highly disciplined, structured, and community-oriented environment where leadership and character development are paramount. The campus has a distinct military atmosphere with uniformed students, but it also offers a supportive and tight-knit community. It feels like a place where tradition and personal accountability are woven into every aspect of daily life.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
The Citadel provides a strong academic foundation with notable strengths in business, engineering, and military science, integrating leadership training across the curriculum. The college emphasizes practical application and offers research opportunities in fields like cybersecurity and military technologies. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty who are dedicated to student success.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Charleston
Located in historic Charleston, students have access to beautiful beaches, renowned restaurants, and vibrant cultural festivals. The city offers a blend of Southern charm and modern amenities, with opportunities for sailing, exploring historic sites, and enjoying live music. The proximity to downtown allows for internships and part-time jobs in a thriving economic hub.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($72,085):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is highly secure due to its military structure and strict discipline, resulting in very low crime rates. The surrounding Charleston area is generally safe, though students should practice standard urban awareness, especially in tourist-heavy districts.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Strong leadership development and character-building through the Corps of Cadets
- ✓ High return on investment for in-state students with solid median earnings
- ✓ Beautiful historic campus in a desirable and vibrant city (Charleston)
- ✓ High retention rate (88.2%) indicating strong student satisfaction and support
Cons
- ✗ The strict military structure and discipline may not suit all students' lifestyles
- ✗ Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher, increasing the financial burden
- ✗ Campus life is highly regulated compared to traditional civilian universities
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
The Citadel is nationally renowned for its rigorous Corps of Cadets program, which emphasizes leadership, discipline, and character development. It is particularly strong in military science, business, and engineering, preparing graduates for careers in both the military and civilian sectors.
No, it is not highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 98.09%. However, admission requires meeting specific physical, medical, and character standards in addition to academic criteria. The focus is on finding students who are a good fit for the military lifestyle and leadership-focused environment.
Campus life is highly structured and disciplined, centered around the Corps of Cadets. Students wear uniforms, follow a strict daily schedule, and live in barracks. Weekends offer more freedom, and students can participate in various clubs, intramural sports, and enjoy the amenities of nearby Charleston.
For in-state students, yes, the value is excellent. With an average net price of $21,002 and median 10-year earnings of $72,085, the investment pays off well. For out-of-state students, the higher cost requires careful consideration of the chosen major's potential return on investment.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1842
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 2,932
- In-State Tuition $12,570
- Out-of-State $37,370
- Zip Code 29409
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
For in-state students, The Citadel offers a strong value proposition with tuition under $13,000 and impressive median earnings of over $72,000 after ten years. Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher, making the return on investment more dependent on the chosen major and career path. The relatively high graduation and retention rates suggest that students are well-supported in completing their degrees, which enhances the financial payoff.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.