At $21,002/yr net price, Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduates earn $72,085/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $38,085/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,002 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,008 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $72,085/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$38,085/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,096 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,055/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,292/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,467/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,921/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,725/yr |
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 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $41,342 | $23,000 |
The Risk Factor
72.8% of students at Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 27% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
The Citadel delivers solid financial returns despite its unique military environment, with median earnings hitting $72,085 ten years after graduation. Your biggest advantage comes from the school's engineering and business programs, which consistently outperform the overall median.
Engineering-Related Fields leads at $86,129 annually, while Business Administration reaches $82,123. These programs justify the investment even when debt runs slightly higher than average. Civil Engineering and Computer Science offer more modest returns around $59,000, but still provide reasonable payoffs given the manageable debt levels.
The military structure creates specific financial considerations you won't find elsewhere. The 88% retention rate suggests most students adapt to the demanding environment, but dropping out means losing both time and money with little to show for it. You need honest self-assessment about whether you can handle the military discipline before enrolling.
Only 19% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the school's public status and lower sticker price. This works in your favor if you don't qualify for need-based aid elsewhere but can afford the $21,002 annual cost. Merit scholarships exist but competition runs high given the school's reputation.
The Citadel makes financial sense if you want engineering or business training with military leadership development and can commit to the full four-year program. The Charleston job market supports graduates well, particularly in defense contracting and regional business. Skip this school if you're unsure about the military environment or interested in fields outside the strong-performing programs. The unique culture means transferring credits elsewhere can prove difficult if you change your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Citadel Military College of South Carolina worth the cost?
The Citadel offers decent value with a net price of $21,002 and graduates earning $72,085 after 10 years. Engineering and business programs provide the strongest returns, while other majors may struggle to justify the investment.
What are the highest paying majors at The Citadel Military College of South Carolina?
Engineering-related fields top the list at $86,129, followed by business administration at $82,123. Computer science and civil engineering graduates earn significantly less at around $59,000-$63,000.
How much debt do students graduate with from The Citadel Military College of South Carolina?
The median debt is $21,096, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. With a 72.80% graduation rate, about one in four students leave without a degree but may still carry debt.
Does The Citadel Military College of South Carolina provide good financial aid?
The net price of $21,002 suggests reasonable aid packages for most students. However, with a 98.58% acceptance rate, merit aid is likely limited since the school admits nearly everyone who applies.