Admit rate has ranged 75%–99% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The Citadel Military College of South Carolina is a senior military college in Charleston, SC, known for its rigorous discipline, structured lifestyle, and strong emphasis on leadership development. With a focus on engineering, business, and military science, it offers a unique blend of academic rigor and military training, producing graduates with high earning potential and a strong alumni network.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
College-prep program
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
2,705
In-state tuition
$12,570
Out-of-state tuition
$38,508
Location
Charleston, SC
Top Majors
Business (26%), Engineering (22%), Military Science (13%)
Acceptance Rate
75%-98% (varies by source)
Six-Year Graduation Rate
72.8%
Median Earnings (6 Years Post-Grad)
$60,168
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$72,085
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.5×
Median debt at graduation
$21,096
Graduation rate
75%
First-year retention
86%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
71%
Pell (lower-income) share
43%
First-generation share
19%
Endowment / student
$155,191
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$63,692
Computer and Information Sciences, General$59,124
Civil Engineering$59,071
Business Administration, Management and Operations$48,617
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness$41,342
Physics
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
3
Per 1,000 students
1.11
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
130
Summer high
86°F
Winter low
46°F
Annual rain
58.4"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively High
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Citadel Military College of South Carolina?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina's acceptance rate is approximately 23% (Charleston, SC), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Citadel Military College of South Carolina?
Admitted students at Citadel Military College of South Carolina typically score 1085–1285 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Citadel Military College of South Carolina cost?
At Citadel Military College of South Carolina, the average net price (after aid) is about $20,723 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Citadel Military College of South Carolina?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina enrolls approximately 2,705 undergraduate students.
Where is Citadel Military College of South Carolina located?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina is located in Charleston, SC.
Admissions
The Citadel has a notably high Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants., ranging from 75% to 98% across different sources, making it a relatively accessible institution compared to more selective schools. SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required, with admitted students typically scoring between 1100–1270 on the SAT or 22–27 on the ACT. The undergraduate acceptance rate was reported as 22.7% in 2024, though other sources suggest much higher rates, indicating variability in selectivity over time or by applicant pool.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$41,025
History$40,017
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$39,729
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Academics
The Citadel offers a curriculum heavily focused on business, engineering, and military science, with 26% of students majoring in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, 22% in Engineering, and 13% in Military Science, Leadership, and Operational Art. The school is known for its rigorous academic environment, described as 'hard' in both coursework and discipline. Popular engineering majors include Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, reflecting a strong STEM orientation alongside its military focus.
Life at The Citadel is highly regimented, with students living on campus in military barracks for all four years. The structured environment emphasizes communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. While the social scene is less vibrant compared to traditional colleges, the school fosters a strong sense of community and professional development. Jewish students, among others, find support through organizations like Hillel, which serves over 500 students in the Charleston area. Extracurricular activities include sports and clubs, but much of the day is scheduled around military duties and academics.
Graduates of The Citadel enjoy strong career prospects, with median earnings of $60,168 six years after graduation. Engineering graduates lead with an average starting salary of $64,722, followed by Humanities and Social Sciences at $50,408. The six-year graduation rate is 72.8%, and the four-year rate is 68%, indicating a solid retention and completion trajectory. The school's emphasis on leadership and discipline translates into high employability and earning potential for its alumni.
The average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. at The Citadel is $21,041 per year after grants and scholarships, with 43.86% of students receiving financial aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant for first-year students is $20,459, and 56% of students receive some form of financial assistance. The school offers a Net Price Calculator to help families estimate costs and aid packages, which average $21,283. While the out-of-pocket cost is moderate, the return on investment is strong given the high median earnings of graduates.
The Citadel distinguishes itself as a senior military college with a relentless focus on discipline, leadership, and academic rigor. Its structured environment—where students live in barracks and adhere to a military schedule—cultivates resilience and teamwork. The school’s strong engineering and business programs, combined with its military ethos, produce graduates who are highly sought after in both civilian and military careers. With a tight-knit alumni network and a reputation for toughness, The Citadel is a unique institution that molds leaders through challenge and tradition.
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