Female cadet in white dress uniform stands at attention on Summerall Field.

At The Citadel Your Investment is in Yourself.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Future

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You Deserve an Education that Prepares You to Earn More, Lead More and Be More.

The Citadel has shaped principled leaders in South Carolina since 1842. Located in historic Charleston, we offer a military college education that goes beyond the classroom, challenging students to lead, serve and succeed in every field. As one of the premier senior military colleges in the nation, The Citadel provides a structured, supportive environment where cadets learn to lead ethically and effectively in the military, in business and in life. Our emphasis on Honor, Duty, State, and Country develops leaders who are ready to meet challenges with confidence and integrity.

The Citadel Advantage

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

Top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report, The Citadel delivers small classes, strong outcomes and great value — especially 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 cadets secure jobs or graduate school by graduation—proof you’ll be ready to lead.

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

A Campus Like No Other

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.
Gold badge reading Best Colleges, U.S. News & World Report, Best Value Schools 2027 with a blue, red, and white banner across the middle.

Don’t Settle for Conventional

At The Citadel, cadets choose more than a college, they choose a challenge. Through discipline, structure and purpose, they gain the confidence to stand out in every field.

Cadet in a blue dress uniform stands at attention during an outdoor ceremony on campus.

Kanjanika Kincaid

“When you jump at opportunities that The Citadel provides, you’re going to grow.”
Citadel cadets in white dress uniforms carry rifles while marching in formation.

Jake LaRocca

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

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.

  • 30 majors, 50 minors
  • 11:1 cadet-to-faculty ratio
  • 100% of classes taught by full-time faculty — no teaching assistants
  • $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.
Citadel cadets marching in formation outdoors, led by cadets carrying a company flag.
Three Citadel cadets in uniform walking together along a barracks gallery beside a large American flag display.