Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 71.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 72.8%
- Retention Rate
- 88.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $72,085
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,096
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 70.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $224/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Certificate | $86,129 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $82,123 | $29,192 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,692 | $22,873 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $59,124 | $19,750 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,071 | $23,481 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $55,547 | $27,980 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,617 | $21,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Certificate | $45,696 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $44,170 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $41,342 | $49,592 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $41,342 | $23,000 |
| Physics. | Bachelor | $41,025 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $40,179 | $33,550 |
| History. | Bachelor | $40,017 | $25,524 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $39,729 |
Outcomes Overview
The Citadel's graduates earn a median salary of $72,085 ten years after graduation, well above the national average for college graduates. Monthly loan payments of $224 represent just 3.7% of typical graduate income, making debt highly manageable. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 ranks among the best for public colleges. Military training opens doors to defense contracting, federal agencies, and corporate leadership roles where discipline and leadership experience command premium salaries. The 92.3% employment rate reflects strong demand for Citadel graduates across industries. Despite the intense four-year experience, the financial returns deliver a strong return on investment for those who complete the program.