Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Citadel Military College of South Carolina — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Citadel Military College of South Carolina at a Glance
The Citadel Military College of South Carolina is a public senior military college in Charleston, South Carolina, United States. Established in 1842, it is the third oldest of the six senior military colleges in the United States. The Citadel was initially established as two schools to educate young men from around the state, while simultaneously protecting the South Carolina State Arsenals in both Columbia and Charleston.
1842
184 years old
$462M
$461.9 million (2025)
3,721
225
300 acres
Identity
Is Citadel Military College of South Carolina Worth It?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $20,723/year, it's priced 2% above average, while graduates go on to earn $72,085 — 34% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 74% graduation rate means roughly 26% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Admission is competitive with a 23% acceptance rate, so applicants should have strong academic credentials.
How Citadel Military College of South Carolina compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #2 of 8 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Charter Oak State College | 68 | $15,815 | $64,209 |
| #2 | Citadel Military College of South Carolina | 64 | $20,723 | $72,085 |
| #3 | Bismarck State College | 63 | $10,270 | $54,277 |
| #4 | University of Arkansas Grantham | 60 | $8,370 | $63,496 |
| #5 | University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online | 34 | $10,864 | $66,479 |
| #6 | Ohio State University-Newark Campus | 31 | $14,767 | $60,409 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Citadel Military College of South Carolina's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Citadel Military College of South Carolina
The highest-earning program at Citadel Military College of South Carolina is Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at $60,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $35,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduate from Citadel Military College of South Carolina earns $60,600, while a Biology, General graduate earns $35,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduates carry $21,463 in median debt vs. $25,094 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,723/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $60,600 | $60,600 | $21,463 |
| Civil Engineering | $57,300 | $57,300 | $23,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,900 | $44,900 | $23,250 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $39,000 | $39,000 | $26,096 |
| History | $37,300 | $37,300 | $19,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $37,000 | $37,000 | $25,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $36,800 | $36,800 | $19,500 |
| Biology, General | $35,100 | $35,100 | $25,094 |
Similar Colleges in SC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Charleston, SC
- Student Body
- 2,705 students
- Admission Rate
- 23%
- Graduation Rate
- 74%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,723
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $72,085
- Median Student Debt
- $21,096