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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

Cost Details

In-State Tuition
$12,570
Out-of-State Tuition
$37,370
Average Net Price
$21,002
Students Receiving Financial Aid
19.2%
Room & Board (On Campus)
$9,146
Room & Board (Off Campus)
$21,522
Books & Supplies
$9,741
Total Cost of Attendance
$31,457
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,096
Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
$224/mo
Loan Repayment Rate
70.9%
Students Taking Federal Loans
36.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
19.2%

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education

Net price by family income bracket
Family Income Average Net Price
$0 – $30,000 $12,055
$30,001 – $48,000 $15,292
$48,001 – $75,000 $18,467
$75,001 – $110,000 $23,921
$110,001+ $24,725

Cost Estimator

Family Income
Residency
Housing

Cost Overview

Most families pay around $21,000 annually after financial aid, though costs vary dramatically by income level. Low-income families ($0-30K) pay just $12,055 per year, while wealthy families ($110K+) pay nearly $25,000. Over four years, expect total costs between $48,000 and $100,000 depending on your family's finances.

The Citadel's military structure means everyone lives on campus, but room and board costs only $9,146. Graduates typically leave with $21,096 in debt, translating to $224 monthly payments. With median earnings hitting $72,085 ten years after graduation, most alumni can manage this debt load comfortably. Only 37% of students even need federal loans.

Middle-class military families get the best deal here. The combination of relatively low tuition, strong post-graduation earnings, and the disciplined financial habits the Corps instills makes The Citadel surprisingly affordable for a specialized education that opens doors in military and corporate leadership.

Official Net Price Calculator

Get a personalized cost estimate from Citadel Military College of South Carolina:

Visit Official Net Price Calculator

This links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.