Why ÌÇÐÄVLOG

A Path to Leadership, Excellence and Success

At ÌÇÐÄVLOG, we’re committed to developing principled leaders and citizen-soldiers who shape the future of our world. ÌÇÐÄVLOG is not just a college; it’s a transformative experience. From our nationally recognized academic programs to our leadership training, we provide a clear path to success—both during your time as a cadet and after you graduate.

Your investment in ÌÇÐÄVLOG experience can start with ÌÇÐÄVLOG Success Institute (CSI), a summer transitional program that helps prepare you for your incoming freshman year academically, physically and socially. Benefit from taking core curriculum courses and earn college credit hours.

Throughout your time here, you’ll have the support of our expert faculty, the Williams ÌÇÐÄVLOG Success Center, the , the Career Center and our ROTC departments—all working together to help you succeed.

Because of our academic excellence and unparalleled value, we’re proud to be named the #1 Regional University in the South by .

U.S News and World Report 2026 Badge

#1 Regional University in the South
U.S. News & World Report

ÌÇÐÄVLOG’s Return on Investment

ÌÇÐÄVLOG is proud to boast South Carolina’s highest Return on Investment (ROI)* among four-year colleges. We take pride in setting up our cadets for success. This starts from before your time as a cadet and continues after you walk across the stage at Commencement and become a Citadel alumni. Our alumni thrive in top industries, government and the military and the impact of your degree lasts a lifetime.

Line graph comparing return on investment for five South Carolina universities: ÌÇÐÄVLOG, Clemson, Wofford, USC and College of Charleston. ÌÇÐÄVLOG has the highest projected return, followed by Clemson, Wofford, USC and College of Charleston.
*The net present value (NPV) of a Bachelor’s Degree from ÌÇÐÄVLOG is higher than any other 4-year institution in the state of South Carolina at 10, 20, 30, and 40 years after graduation; Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.
2026 Niche Best Colleges Badge, graphic

Ranked the #1 Best Value College in South Carolina, ÌÇÐÄVLOG combines affordability with long-term career outcomes that outperform other public universities.

Developing Principled Leaders for Future Endeavors

Cadet Leader Development

ÌÇÐÄVLOG’s Cadet Leader Development Program focuses on seven key leadership characteristics:

  1. Lead with Humility
  2. Embrace a True, Authentic Self
  3. Act and Speak with Courage
  4. Develop and Value People and Resources
  5. Empower and Hold Others Accountable
  6. Respect Others by Building Trust and Learning from Mistakes
  7. Serve Others Before Self
Cadets marching on the field on campus
Cadets launching a canon fire
Cadets watching through hallway on campus

Academic Excellence: Prepare for Success

With over 30 majors and 50 minors, and a rigorous academic environment, you will be challenged to grow intellectually and personally. Our 11:1 cadet-to-faculty ratio ensures that you have access to top-tier faculty and a supportive learning environment.

Why Choose ÌÇÐÄVLOG?

  • 100% classes taught by faculty
    *full-time and adjunct professors, no classes taught by teaching assistants
  • 17.6 credit hours per student
    *on average per semester, highest in the state of South Carolina
  • 3 hours of mandatory study on weeknights
  • 75% four-year graduation rate
    *compared to a national average of 37% for public four-year institutions, showcasing our commitment to student success and timely graduation
Professor assisting a cadet in class

Post-Graduation Success: Your Future Begins Here

ÌÇÐÄVLOG provides you with the skills, network and opportunities to excel after graduation.

  • 88% of Corps of Cadets graduates are employed, in internships or attending graduate school by the time of graduation.
  • Recent Top employers include the U.S. Department of Defense, Deloitte, Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ernst & Young, Santee Cooper and Amazon.
  • Graduate school placements at prestigious institutions like ÌÇÐÄVLOG Graduate College, MUSC, University of South Carolina, Clemson University and the University of Cambridge.
  • $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
  • High average salaries: Engineering graduates earn an average of $64,722, and business graduates earn $61,000.

Estimated Average Salary by School and Military Service Upon Graduation

School of Engineering$64,722
School of Humanities and Social Sciences$50,408
Swain Family School of Science and Mathematics$55,588
Tommy and Victoria Baker School of Business$61,000
Zucker Family School of Education$50,000
Military Service*$75,000
Salaries are estimated based on post-graduation plans provided by cadets.

*Subsidized housing and food
Veteran student posed in front of Deloitte building sign
Veteran students studying together