Citadel vs West Point: Which military academy is right for me? (2024)

FAQs

Citadel vs West Point: Which military academy is right for me? ›

If you're looking for a more accessible military education with the option to pursue civilian careers upon graduation, the Citadel could be a better fit for you. However, if you're aiming for a prestigious education with a focus on a career in the U.S. Army, West Point might be the way to go.

Approximately 1 in 3 cadets earns a commission into the United States Armed Forces upon graduation. However, since military service after graduation is not a requirement, students choosing a Citadel military education gain experiences and assets that extend far beyond their college years.

West Point is the world's preeminent leader development institution. Members of the Long Gray Line live by the motto "Duty, Honor, Country" and serve as leaders both in and out of uniform.

Admissions Rate: 12%

This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are. The acceptance rate at West Point is 12%. For every 100 applicants, only 12 are admitted. This means the school is extremely selective.

The United States Naval Academy (Annapolis) is a prestigious military academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States. It was established by George Bancroft in 1845 and is considered one of the most difficult military academies to gain admission to.

If you're looking for a more accessible military education with the option to pursue civilian careers upon graduation, the Citadel could be a better fit for you. However, if you're aiming for a prestigious education with a focus on a career in the U.S. Army, West Point might be the way to go.

If you're looking for a transformative experience that will give you leadership skills that will set you apart, The Citadel is the right place for you! Located in Charleston, South Carolina, The Citadel offers a values-based education set in a military environment with a time-honored reputation for producing leaders.

The 2023 – 2024 Best Colleges Rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report places the U.S. Military Academy No. 3 in Top Public Liberal Arts Colleges and No. 8 in Best National Liberal Arts Colleges.

Reputation: Both West Point and Ivy League schools have strong reputations and are known for producing successful graduates. West Point is a prestigious military academy and focuses on developing leadership skills, discipline, and academic excellence in future military officers.

Is going to West Point worth it? ›

One of the biggest reasons to pursue Officership through USMA at West Point is free tuition, including an annual stipend of more than $10,000. The fully-funded four-year education stands out amongst top non-military universities, and is worth more than $225,000.

Guaranteed Employment. By attending West Point, cadets know they will have a job after graduation. West Point graduates begin their careers as 2^nd Lieutenants in the US Army in one of 13 exciting career fields, earning around $70,000 a year with pay increases tied to promotions.

United States Military Academy at West Point is ranked #8 out of 211 National Liberal Arts Colleges. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

In terms of prestige, both institutions are highly respected. Harvard is undoubtedly one of the top universities globally, known for its academic excellence and renowned faculty. West Point, on the other hand, is a top military academy with a strong reputation for leadership and discipline.

Thus, West Point tuition is free. West Point does not charge for room, board, or medical & dental coverage; plus, cadets receive a salary that covers all other fees and leaves them between $225 and $625 in spending money each month.

A campus tour will also help you get acquainted on a deeper level. The Citadel is open to the public year-round, and you will find that your welcome here is just as warm as Charleston's coastal climate.

The Citadel seeks the enrollment of well-rounded, mature students. Applicant requirements include possessing the motivation and educational achievements to be a successful cadet at The Citadel. Each admission portfolio is reviewed individually with careful consideration.

In addition to the Corps of Cadets residential day military program, The Citadel offers several degree options to non-cadets, such as targeting active duty military, veterans, and civilians in both classroom and distance-learning online settings.

Like Senior military colleges, Military Junior Colleges don't have service requirements, but most students join ROTC programs, which offer students additional military training opportunities that come with military commitments.