When you commit to The Citadel Experience, you stand out from the rest.
When you choose The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, you make a commitment to be challenged. As a member of the Corps of Cadets, you will join an extraordinary group of young individuals driven by a strong moral code and a desire to make a difference. You are strong, but when you join your classmates, you become part of a team. Together you become resilient. You form lifelong bonds that define who you are. You learn to uphold standards and learn the value of accountability and integrity. And in this process, you realize that you are capable of more than you ever thought.
#1
Public College in the South*
Values & Outcomes
The Citadel consistently reports well above national averages for placement outcomes. More than 84 percent of cadets report professional employment, military, or graduate school acceptance at graduation, and more than 90 percent, six months after graduation.
84%
of Corps of Cadets graduates employed at time of graduation
25%
Above national average
for graduation rate
$56K
Average Salary at Graduation
The Citadel helped me develop organizational and research skills that helped me during my career in the Air Force and now with running my own activewear business. Additionally, The Citadel provided me with mental toughness that I needed in the real-world.
-Angel Johnson, ‘13
The Citadel Experience
If you’re looking for a transformative experience that will give you leadership skills that will set you apart, The Military College of South Carolina is the place for you. The Citadel education begins with Four Pillars – character, academics, military, fitness – to develop leaders who are prepared to serve in all walks of life.
Character
Principled leadership training teaches cadets the value of integrity and moral character in everyday life. Cadets pledge to abide by the college’s core values of honor, duty and respect. Learn more »
Academics
Cadets benefit from small classes, professors dedicated to their success and a wide array of educational support services that provide one-on-one guidance and tutoring. Learn more »
Military
Cadets are immersed in a rigorous military lifestyle. They also complete training in the ROTC branch of their choice. These experiences arm cadets with the time management, teamwork and leadership skills. Learn more »
Fitness
Effective leaders take pride in their level of physical fitness. A lasting value of a Citadel education is the foundation of fitness and healthful living that remains long after graduation. Learn more »
Tuition and Financial Aid
Your Citadel experience will challenge you in many ways, but paying for it shouldn’t. Our Financial Aid office will assist you in making a Citadel education affordable. Last year, 81 percent of students received some form of financial aid, and $13.7M in ROTC scholarships were awarded. Check out our tuition, cost and financial aid information to get started, and then contact us to learn more.
81%
of students receive financial aid
Get a First-Hand Look
Explore our campus and get a feel for what makes The Citadel so unique, and learn more about topics like enrollment, academics and student services from the comfort of your home or on campus.
Willam Varn is Tango Company commander from Pawleys Island, South Carolina. He is a Mechanical Engineering major that is pursuing his PE licensing. Varn is a member of the 2024 Junior Sword Arch, 2024 Summerall Guard and a recipient of Gold Stars, Dean's list and has been awarded President's List. 
Cadet Gianna Rabassi is an Intelligence and Security Studies major with a minor in Business from Jacksonville, North Carolina. She serves as Papa Company commander and expects to accept an Air Force commission in May 2024.
The President’s List, awarded for academic and military excellence, is one of the most distinguished cadet awards presented by The Citadel.