The Citadel
Charleston, SC
"Honor • Duty • Respect"
At a Glance
Founded
1842
Enrollment
2,661
Acceptance
98%
Service
Multiple Services
The Verdict
The Citadel isn't merely a college—it's a crucible that has forged principled leaders for nearly two centuries. Famous for its legendary "Fourth Class System" where freshmen ("knobs") endure one of the nation's most demanding plebe experiences, The Citadel produces graduates who disproportionately fill the ranks of military general officers, Fortune 500 executives, and public servants.
The Citadel's 63% four-year graduation rate towers above the 40% national average, and over 52% of female cadets participate as varsity athletes—a national leadership position. With a $420 million endowment and Charleston's historic waterfront as its backdrop, this is where Southern military tradition meets modern leadership development at a fraction of private military college tuition.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
The Citadel is a public senior military college in Charleston, SC, founded in 1842. All undergraduates join the Corps of Cadets; in-state tuition is $34,935 (2026-27).
Tuition & Costs
2026-2027 RatesIn-State
$34,935
Out-of-State
$62,202
Endowment
$419.8 million
*In-state shown; ~30% commission as military officers; legendary Fourth Class System. 84% receive financial aid.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
selective
Key Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- SAT or ACT scores (test-optional policy available)
- Official high school transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Physical fitness assessment (prior to matriculation)
- Medical examination and immunization records
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (for ROTC scholarship eligibility)
Admitted Student Profile
98%
Acceptance Rate
3.50
Avg GPA
1150
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
176 acres
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
2,661
Student:Teacher
11:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
The Citadel operates on a regimented schedule beginning with reveille at 0600, followed by formation, breakfast, and morning classes. Afternoons include military training, athletics, or extracurricular activities. Evening Study Period (ESP) runs from 1930-2330, with Taps at 2400. The Fourth Class System governs knob (freshman) life with additional duties including bracing, calling minutes, and upperclassman deference throughout the year until Recognition Day.
Discipline Model
Honor Code system ('A cadet does not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do') enforced by the Cadet Honor Committee. The Fourth Class System creates a structured mentorship hierarchy where upperclassmen develop leadership through responsibility for underclassmen. Demerits and punishment tours (walking the quad in full dress) address infractions, while the Commandant's Department oversees military standards through the regimental chain of command.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
N/A (degree-granting institution)
Scholarships Earned
N/A (degree-granting institution)
Where Graduates Go
N/A (The Citadel is a degree-granting senior military college; however, graduates regularly commission as officers through ROTC programs in Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps)
Hall of Fame
General Andrew H. Goodpaster
Four-star general, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (NATO), Superintendent of West Point, advisor to five U.S. presidents
Pat Conroy
Bestselling author of 'The Lords of Discipline,' 'The Great Santini,' and 'The Prince of Tides'—novels drawn from his Citadel and military family experiences
General John W. Rosa
Three-star general, former Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, later President of The Citadel (2006-2018)
Charles P. Murray Jr.
Medal of Honor recipient (WWII), one of The Citadel's most decorated combat heroes
Ernest F. Hollings
Governor of South Carolina, U.S. Senator for 38 years, instrumental in creating NOAA
Joe Riley
Mayor of Charleston for 40 years (1975-2016), credited with Charleston's renaissance as a premier American city
General James B. Vaught
Three-star general, commanded Operation Eagle Claw (Iran hostage rescue attempt), pioneer of U.S. special operations
Mark Clark
Four-star general, youngest to hold that rank in WWII, commanded Allied forces in Italy, later President of The Citadel (1954-1965)
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All cadets participate in mandatory physical training including company athletics, intramural sports, or varsity athletics. Morning PT sessions, afternoon drill, and the Annual Physical Fitness Test (APFT) ensure all cadets meet military fitness standards. The Fourth Class physical training program (known as 'PT') is particularly rigorous for knobs.
Facilities
Johnson Hagood Stadium (11,000 capacity) hosts Bulldog football. McAlister Field House serves basketball and volleyball. Seignious Hall houses athletic administration and strength training. The campus includes an Olympic-standard natatorium, tennis courts, rugby and soccer pitches, and the Inouye Fitness Center. The scenic Ashley River provides waterfront training opportunities for Marine-option NROTC cadets.
External Ratings
We don't collect or moderate reviews. Links point to trusted third-party sources.
Federal Outcomes Data
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard
73%
Graduation Rate
88%
Retention Rate
(1st to 2nd year)
$72,085
Median Earnings
(10 years after entry)
$21,002
Avg. Net Cost
(after financial aid)
$15,095
Avg. Grant
(institutional aid)
85% / 15%
Male / Female
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2026-01)
View on College ScorecardOfficial Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
NCES consumer portal with costs, programs, and retention data
Comprehensive institutional data from the IPEDS survey
Department of Education outcomes and cost data
Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
Photo Gallery
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Guides & Resources
South Carolina: The Citadel Pipeline
Camden Military Academy (~$32,000 boarding) feeds The Citadel, one of six Senior Military Colleges. How South Carolina's pipeline works, plus a free alternative.
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