Your Degree Shapes
Who You Become.

The Citadel sets you apart—with confidence, character and real results.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Future

A Tradition of Leadership and Excellence

The Citadel has shaped principled leaders in South Carolina since 1842. Located in Charleston, we offer a military college education for young men and women that goes beyond the classroom — challenging students to lead, serve and succeed in every field. The approximately 2,400 members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets (opens in a new tab) are not required to serve in the military, but about one-third of each class earn commissions to become officers in every branch of U.S. military service. All Citadel alumni leave prepared to lead wherever life takes them.

Citadel cadet in uniform standing at attention in a barracks courtyard.

Earn More, Spend Less

$497K more valuable than the average bachelor’s degree from other public state institutions.
*40-year net present value; Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce

Female Citadel cadet in a white uniform standing in formation with other cadets on campus.

#1 University in the South

Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report, The Citadel combines small class sizes, hands-on learning and strong post-graduation outcomes, delivering exceptional value for in-state students.

Citadel cadets in dress uniforms stand in formation, with a cadet and company guidon at the front.

Leadership That Pays Off

88% of graduates secure employment or graduate school by commencement, proving that discipline drives results.

Citadel cadets stand in formation with rifles near the Ravenel Bridge.

Charleston Advantage

With internships, Division I athletics and coastal living just minutes from the beach, Charleston gives Citadel cadets opportunities you will not find anywhere else.

Gold badge with text: Best Colleges, U.S. News & World Report, Undergraduate Teaching, 2027 on a blue, red, and gold ribbon background.

Gold badge with text: Best Colleges U.S. News & World Report Business Programs 2027 in black, blue, white, and red font.

A gold badge reads Best Colleges, U.S. News & World Report, Regional Universities South 2027 with blue and red accents.

A gold badge reads Best Colleges U.S. News & World Report Engineering Programs 2027, with red, white, and blue accents.

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Don’t Settle for Conventional

The Citadel isn’t your typical college — and that’s exactly the point. Our cadets choose challenge, structure and a path that sets them apart for life.

Citadel cadet in a military uniform listens during an event with other cadets seated nearby.

Kanjanika Kincaid

“When you jump at opportunities that The Citadel provides, you’re going to grow.”

How Did I Get Here?

Citadel cadets in white dress uniforms carry rifles while marching in formation.

Jake LaRocca

“At The Citadel, nothing is given — everything must be earned.”

How Did I Get Here?

Citadel cadet in dress uniform holds a large chevron insignia while posing outdoors.

Noah Miller

“When you take a chance on The Citadel, it will deliver every single time.”

How Did I Get Here?

Learn with Purpose. Graduate with a Plan.

At The Citadel, you’ll be challenged to grow — academically, personally and professionally. And when it’s time to step into your future, you’ll be ready.

Academic Highlights

30 majors, 50 minors
11:1 cadet-to-faculty ratio
100% of classes taught by full-time faculty — no teaching assistants

Graduate Outcomes

$497,090 more valuable then the average bachelor’s degree from other public state institutions (40-year net present value; Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce)
88% of Corps of Cadets graduates are employed, in internships or attending graduate school by the time of graduation.
Top employers: U.S. Department of Defense, Deloitte, Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ernst & Young, Santee Cooper and Amazon.