For Release
May 19, 2004

A Citadel education in high demand

           As The Citadel begins preparations for the arrival of the Class of 2008, interest in a challenging, traditional military-style college education is at an all-time high.

           As of May 1, the Office of Admissions reached a record-breaking 2,303 applications from high school seniors seeking admission in the fall. At the same time last year, the college had received 2,067 applications. That is an 11.4 percent increase from one year to the next. Since 2000, applications have increased 14.3 percent.

           Of those young men and women seeking to be part of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets for the fall, between 720 and 740 freshmen are expected to matriculate this summer. That's up from previous years because the reconstructed Padgett-Thomas Barracks will open this summer. The opening will create additional bed space on campus. The Citadel's four barracks can house about 1,910 cadets. All cadets must live on campus.

           This is the third consecutive year for record-breaking applications and admissions at The Citadel. In total last year the college received 2,113 applications for the Class of 2007, up from 2,057 for the Class of 2006.

           "Admission to The Citadel is more competitive each year, but we encourage anyone interested in the challenging values-based education offered here to apply," said admissions director John Powell. "We seriously consider each application to see what a student can bring to and gain from the college. Students are still submitting applications and we will continue to evaluate each and every one."

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