Top-Ranked Education. Military Discipline. Lifelong Leadership.
The Citadel, located in Charleston, South Carolina, offers a classic military college education for young men and women focused on leadership excellence and academic distinction. Explore the #1 University in the South—right in the heart of historic Charleston in South Carolina. Discover how The Citadel prepares you to lead with purpose, grounded in tradition, resilience and service.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Future
Plan Your Visit
Come explore the historic campus of The Citadel, the South’s top-ranked university, where values like leadership, honor and service shape every aspect of student life.
Inside the Gates: Overnight Program
Spend the night on campus with a cadet host and experience The Citadel firsthand— at no cost. Tour campus, attend classes, eat in the mess hall and sleep in the barracks.
Campus Visit
Join an official weekday visit to tour campus, meet admissions staff and cadet ambassadors and learn about academics, cadet life and leadership opportunities.
Admitted Student Day
Meet future classmates, explore your major and immerse yourself in cadet life during this one-day event designed to help you envision your Citadel journey.
Cadet Chats
Have a personal Zoom call with a current cadet—ask your questions and hear what life at The Citadel is really like, directly from someone living it every day.
Why Visit The Citadel?
Here’s what you’ll experience when you set foot on campus:
- Experience life in the barracks.
- Connect with cadets, professors and leadership face-to-face.
- Attend classes and explore your major of interest.
- First-hand look at a day-in-the-life of a cadet.
- Discover how a military college experience builds confidence.
- Explore Charleston – ranked America’s favorite city for a reason.
- Learn what makes The Citadel the #1 University in the South
Cadet Spotlight: Mackenzie Raniowski
“At The Citadel, you get out what you put in.”
Mackenzie came to The Citadel with a clear purpose: to push herself toward becoming a Marine Corps officer in the best way possible. She understood that the institution’s structure and discipline would test her daily—mentally, physically and emotionally. “At The Citadel, you get out what you put in.” When you consistently show up for yourself, day after day, the growth in your character and resilience becomes undeniable. Without remembering her why, she would not have gone out of her comfort zone to go up in the Corps ranks to get to where she is now as the Deputy Regimental Commander.
How Did I Get Here