Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Citadel Military College of South Carolina is a public university in Charleston, SC ranked #150 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 2,624 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 98.1%. Students most often pursue Civil Engineering and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Day to day, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 88.2% first-year retention, and 72.8% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $21,002, about $4,004 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -28.4%, roughly 113.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $60,168. That's about $16,480 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Citadel Military College of South Carolina Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduates 72.8% of students within six years and keeps 88.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Citadel Military College of South Carolina's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $12,570 |
| Books and Supplies | $9,741 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $9,146 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,423 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $31,943 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 19.2% of Citadel Military College of South Carolina students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $12,055 to $24,725 depending on family income. Use Citadel Military College of South Carolina's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $23,921/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,725/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $60,168
- 10-Year Median Earnings $60,168
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $18,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 70.9%
- Employment Rate 90.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Citadel Military College of South Carolina vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Citadel Military College of South Carolina's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Citadel Military College of South Carolina's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduates earn $60,168 median, the -28.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 540-640
- SAT Math 540-610
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,624
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 88.2%
- Graduation Rate 72.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Citadel Military College of South Carolina
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Citadel Military College of South Carolina requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 98.1%, Citadel Military College of South Carolina is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 98.1% acceptance rate, Citadel Military College of South Carolina is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1080 and 1250 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Citadel Military College of South Carolina undergraduates. Business/Commerce, General, Mechanical Engineering, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Business/Commerce, General 22.7%
- Mechanical Engineering 10.8%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 9.5%
- Political Science and Government 7.3%
- Civil Engineering 6.2%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 5.5%
See more majors
- Biology, General 4.3%
- Intelligence, Command Control and Information Oper 4.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Civil Engineering $89,930
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $86,870
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $77,951
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Psychology, General $75,261
- 5. Computer and Information Sciences, General $71,213
- 6. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $70,220
- 7. Criminal Justice and Corrections $67,591
- 8. Political Science and Government $66,788
- 9. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $60,791
- 10. History $59,089
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Engineering-Related Fields (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $113,528
- 2. Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degree) $113,053
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $109,667
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $67,451
- 5. Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) $62,844
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $55,869
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $55,758
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $50,731
- 9. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $46,661
- 10. Psychology, General (Master's Degree) $41,229
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Civil Engineering grads earn $89,930—52% more than History ($59,089). Graduate: Engineering-Related Fields programs lead with $113,528 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Citadel Military College of South Carolina. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 73 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 49 graduates)
- Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 42 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 37 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Master's Degree, 31 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (24 programs)â–¼
- Mechanical Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Civil Engineering
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Biology, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- History
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Accounting and Related Services
- Psychology, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Construction Engineering
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Education, General
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (10 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Biology, General
- Political Science and Government
- English Language and Literature, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Curriculum and Instruction
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (14 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Homeland Security
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- History
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,624
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 85.7%
- Female Students 14.3%
- Caucasian 74.4%
- Asian 2.1%
- Hispanic 9.0%
- Black 7.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 19.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Citadel Military College of South Carolina's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Citadel Military College of South Carolina's undergraduate population. Women make up 14.3% of the student body, while men represent 85.7%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Citadel Military College of South Carolina support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Citadel Military College of South Carolina, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 74.4% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Men make up 85.7% of undergraduates. About 19.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Citadel Military College of South Carolina support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Citadel Military College of South Carolina, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Citadel Military College of South Carolina serves as an affordable college for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #150 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $21,002 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $60,168 median earnings. The 72.8% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a college. While 88.2% retention suggests adequate student support.
College Value: Citadel Military College of South Carolina's Strengths
Ranked #150 with a A- grade, Citadel Military College of South Carolina prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Colleges like Citadel Military College of South Carolina excel at providing affordable education ($21,002 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Citadel Military College of South Carolina's 88.2% retention and 72.8% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical college performance. Career outcomes ($60,168 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Citadel Military College of South Carolina and $21,002 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 72.8% six-year graduation rate sits 10.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 88.2% first-year retention is 11.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -28.4% return on investment is 113.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $60,168 run about 38% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $21,002 is roughly $1,103 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 88.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.9% employment rate within three years sits 22.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $21,002 is about $1,103 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 19.2% trails the national share by 14.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Citadel Military College of South Carolina, a public university in Charleston, SC, secures a A- grade in our latest review. It stands at #150 among 1971 schools Completion earns A-, Support A-, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability C+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 88.2% of first-year students return, and roughly 72.8% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -28.4% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $21,002 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $31,943.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,941 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 19.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $60,168 six years after entry. That sits about 38% above the national median.
Roughly 90.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -28.4% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
98.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Citadel Military College of South Carolina admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Charleston, SC 29409
- Website citadel.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$397.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate19.7%