Citadel Military College of South Carolina

98.6%Acceptance

$12,570Tuition

2,624Students

73%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$72,085Earnings

#3 in South CarolinaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Citadel Military College of South Carolina

The Citadel shapes 2,624 cadets through one of America's most demanding military college experiences in Charleston's historic setting. This is where future leaders learn discipline through a strict honor code and regimented military lifestyle that has produced notable graduates like author Pat Conroy and World War II General Mark Clark. The 98.58% acceptance rate might suggest easy admission, but surviving the rigorous military training is the real challenge.

Students pay an average net price of $21,002 after financial aid, making this military education surprisingly affordable for most families. Graduates earn a median of $72,085 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $21,096 with monthly payments around $224. The return on investment proves strong, with a 92.3% employment rate showing that employers value Citadel training.

The student body reflects traditional military college demographics with 85.67% male enrollment, though the institution has evolved since Shannon Faulkner broke the gender barrier in the 1990s. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, cadets receive intensive mentoring alongside their military training. The 88.17% retention rate demonstrates that students who adapt to the demanding lifestyle typically stay committed to graduation.

Academics & Faculty

The Citadel operates as one of America's six senior military colleges, combining traditional liberal arts education with military training and leadership development. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures cadets receive intensive mentoring within the college's regimented structure. Engineering and business programs draw many cadets seeking technical skills alongside military discipline. The 72% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenge of completing both academic coursework and the demanding military lifestyle that includes daily formations, inspections, and the famous fourth-class system. Cadets study under the honor code that has defined the institution since 1842. The academic experience centers on developing leaders through rigorous coursework combined with military training that few other colleges can match.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 68.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 71.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 72.8%
Retention Rate: 88.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $72,085
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Engineering-Related Fields.	Certificate	$86,129
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$82,123
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$63,692
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$59,124
Civil Engineering.	Bachelor	$59,071
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$55,547
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$48,617
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Certificate	$45,696
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$44,170
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$41,342

View all 72 programs →

Campus Life

The Citadel sits in historic Charleston, where 90% of students live in spartan barracks under a strict military regimen. You'll wake before dawn for formations and inspections. The campus houses 2,372 students in military-style quarters where personal belongings must be stored precisely. Charleston's subtropical climate means you'll need uniforms for both sweltering summers and mild winters that rarely dip below freezing.

Men comprise 85.67% of the Corps of Cadets, reflecting the school's traditional military culture. The famous Ring Weekend marks when juniors receive their class rings in an elaborate ceremony. Weekends bring formal parades and limited off-campus privileges that must be earned through the merit system. The student-faculty ratio of 11:1 ensures close mentorship from military and civilian instructors. Charleston's downtown historic district lies just minutes away, but your freedom to explore depends entirely on your military standing and class year. The honor code governs every aspect of cadet life, from academics to personal conduct.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 2,372 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Rape	5	5	4
Aggravated Assault	2	0	2
Burglary	1	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 43°–58°F
July Avg: 77°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.3"

Student Demographics

The Corps of Cadets draws heavily from South Carolina families who value military tradition and discipline. Men make up 86% of the student body, reflecting the military college's demanding physical and leadership requirements. The Citadel accepts nearly all applicants but retains 88% of first-year students who commit to the rigorous lifestyle. About one in five cadets receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families seeking affordable officer training. The 56% in-state enrollment demonstrates strong regional loyalty while attracting out-of-state students drawn to one of America's few remaining military colleges.

Men: 85.7%
Women: 14.3%
White: 74.4%
Black: 7.4%
Hispanic: 9.0%
Asian: 2.1%
In-State Students: 56.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 19.2%

Location

The Citadel sits in Charleston, South Carolina, a historic coastal city of 150,000 people about 300 miles south of Charlotte. Charleston combines Southern charm with military tradition, featuring cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and nearby beaches. The city's tourism industry and military presence create unique opportunities for cadets. With 56.36% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with the Lowcountry's humid subtropical climate and rich Civil War history. The college's location near Charleston Harbor provides access to maritime activities and internships. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare The Citadel with similar schools in the region.

Address: Charleston, South Carolina 29409

Charleston Native Comes Home for Navy Week

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $72,085
Median Earnings (5 years): $77,277
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $44,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 70.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $224/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,096

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Citadel Military College of South Carolina?

The Citadel accepts 98.58% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for those committed to military life. The average SAT score is 1180, reflecting the school's focus on character and leadership potential over pure academic metrics. As one of six senior military colleges in the U.S., the real challenge comes after admission through the rigorous military lifestyle and honor code.

How much does Citadel Military College of South Carolina cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,002 after financial aid, with significant variation based on family income. In-state students benefit from tuition of just $12,570, while out-of-state students face $37,370 in tuition costs. Only 19.18% of students receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting many families can afford the military college premium.

Does Citadel Military College of South Carolina have small class sizes?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 11:1, ensuring close mentorship crucial for military development. With 2,624 total cadets, The Citadel maintains an intimate environment where upperclassmen traditionally mentor younger students. The structured military hierarchy creates additional layers of academic and personal guidance beyond traditional classroom instruction.

What are the career outcomes for Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $72,085 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career prospects in military and civilian sectors. The employment rate reaches 92.3%, with many alumni pursuing military commissions or leadership roles in business. With median debt of just $21,096, graduates typically manage loan payments of $224 monthly while building successful careers.

Where do students live at Citadel Military College of South Carolina?

The campus houses 2,372 students in military-style barracks, creating the total immersion experience central to cadet development. Room and board costs $9,146, covering the structured military living environment that operates year-round. All cadets live on campus as part of the comprehensive military college experience that shapes character and discipline.

Is Citadel Military College of South Carolina primarily male?

Men comprise 85.67% of the student body, reflecting the military college's traditional demographics and ongoing challenges with gender integration. Women make up 14.33% of cadets, a significant increase since Shannon Faulkner became the first female cadet in the 1990s. The military environment continues to evolve while maintaining its core traditions and demanding standards for all cadets.