Overview
Founded in 1842, The Citadel is one of the nation's oldest senior military colleges, established originally to guard state arsenals and provide military training to young men in South Carolina. The college gained lasting historical significance when cadets fired on the Union supply ship Star of the West in Charleston Harbor in January 1861, an event often cited as among the opening shots of the Civil War. Today The Citadel is best known for its demanding Corps of Cadets system, leadership development curriculum, and strong placement of graduates into the U.S. Armed Forces, federal agencies, and civilian leadership roles.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Charleston, South Carolina |
| Founded | 1842 |
| Total students | 3,700 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 11:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 72% |
| Graduation rate | 76% |
| Average starting salary | $55,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $14,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $36,000 |
| Room & board | $13,000 |
| Average financial aid | $18,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 80% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1050-1220 |
| ACT range | 20-26 |
| Average GPA | 3.50 |
| Regular deadline | March 1 |
Top Programs
- Business Administration
- Civil Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Nursing
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.