The Citadel | military college, education, Charleston (2024)

college, Charleston, South Carolina, United States

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Also known as: South Carolina Military Academy, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina

The Citadel | military college, education, Charleston (1)

The Citadel

In full:
The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina
Date:
1842 - present
Areas Of Involvement:
public education

The Citadel, public military college located in Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. All undergraduate daytime students, known as cadets, are required to participate in one of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs. The college offers bachelor’s degree programs in business, education, engineering, arts, and sciences. Master’s degree programs are offered in business, education, and arts. Total enrollment exceeds 4,000.

The Citadel was established in 1842 and, along with the Arsenal in Columbia, formed the South Carolina Military Academy. Instruction began in 1843. Although the school has no direct affiliation with the U.S. military, graduates of The Citadel have fought in every conflict since the Mexican War (1846–48). Citadel cadets fired the first shots at Fort Sumter to begin the American Civil War, and the college was an important source of officers for the Confederate army. The school was occupied by Union forces from 1865 until 1879. The Arsenal was destroyed in 1865, and The Citadel reopened in 1882. Although women had been admitted to the graduate, summer, and evening classes, they were not eligible for full cadet status until a 1995 federal court order mandated their inclusion; the first women cadets were admitted in 1996.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.

The Citadel | military college, education, Charleston (2024)

FAQs

How hard is it to get in The Citadel? ›

The acceptance rate at The Citadel is 98.6%.

In other words, of 100 students who apply, 99 are admitted. This means the school is a nearly open admissions school. They accept nearly all students, so for the most part, you just need to submit an application to get in.

What is the #1 military school in the US? ›

The U.S. Military Academy is the premier leader development institution in the world. The Academy's integrated 47-month experience is unlike that at any other college. Cadets are exposed to unique opportunities and forge bonds that last a lifetime.

Is The Citadel a prestigious college? ›

“We are deeply honored to be consistently recognized as the Top Public University in the South by U.S. News & World Report,” said Sally Selden, Ph. D., SPHR, provost of The Citadel.

What GPA do you need for The Citadel? ›

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. With a GPA of 3.77, The Citadel requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes.

How many people drop out of The Citadel? ›

First-Time / Full-Time The Citadel Drop Out Rates

159 first-time / full-time students or 26% did not complete their degree within eight years. Of those who did not finish: 2 are still enrolled. 107 transferred to another institution.

Does Citadel look at GPA? ›

In addition to completing all specific program requirements, in order to remain in good academic standing, The Citadel Graduate College requires students to maintain a 3.0 GPA. Failure to maintain this GPA results in dismissal from that program.

Which is better, West Point or the Citadel? ›

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.

What is the easiest military college to get into? ›

Military junior colleges are the easiest to get into. Your academics don't need to be as good as for senior military colleges. But, make sure you meet the minimum GPA and test scores and can pass your fitness and health tests. If you are applying to Early Commision Programs, you might need to have stronger academics.

What is the most elite military academy? ›

The USMA, better known as West Point, is perhaps one of the best and most prestigious military academies in the world. That reputation isn't taken lightly.

Why would anyone go to The Citadel? ›

The Citadel develops leadership, initiative, character and confidence by placing cadets in positions of responsibility within the Corps. Additionally, The Citadel offers many opportunities to serve the community, with cadets donating more than 25,000 hours of service every year.

What major is The Citadel known for? ›

The most popular majors at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Engineering; Military Science, Leadership and Operational Art; Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services; Social Sciences; Parks, ...

Is The Citadel academically challenging? ›

It is a challenging school were self discipline and time management are key.

Does everyone at The Citadel go into the military? ›

There are about 2,300 undergraduate students who make up the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. Out of the Corps of Cadets, 1 out of 3 graduates earn a military commission. Students can choose from 31 Majors, 57 Minors, pre-health professions, and pre-law (a concentration in political science).

What branch of the military do Citadel graduates go to? ›

The Citadel offers ROTC in all branches of the armed forces. Students can earn commissions in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, and Coast Guard at The Citadel.

Does The Citadel accept female students? ›

Women have been a part of The Citadel since its inception in 1842.

What is the acceptance rate for The Citadel? ›

What does it take to get into The Citadel? ›

The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina has an acceptance rate of 99%. Half the applicants admitted to Citadel who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1090 and 1270 or an ACT score of 23 and 27.

How intense is The Citadel? ›

hard. Each day you will have to test yourself and your endurance. You will learn about perseverance, resilience, stamina, and determination. In four years you will emerge strong, confident, ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way.

Is The Citadel strict? ›

The Citadel emphasizes a strict disciplinary and physical fitness indoctrination for fourth-class cadets, who are sometimes called "knobs" because of the shaved heads of the males, which they previously had to maintain until the spring when they were then recognized as fourth-class cadets.

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