Clemson University vs Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Good news if you're stuck between them: Clemson University and Citadel Military College of South Carolina come out about even on financial return. Clemson University scores 86/100 and Citadel Military College of South Carolina scores 85/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Citadel Military College of South Carolina runs $20,723 a year against $22,253 at Clemson University - $1,530 more a year, or about $6,120 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduates earn a median $72,085 against $71,513 at Clemson University. The cost earns itself back in 6.3 years at Clemson University and 6 years at Citadel Military College of South Carolina.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Citadel Military College of South Carolina owing a median $21,096 versus $21,500 at Clemson University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.45 and 0.47 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Clemson University | Citadel Military College ... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $15,554 | $12,570 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,866 | $38,508 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,253 | $20,723 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $89,012 | $82,892 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $48,100 | $44,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $71,513 | $72,085 |
| Graduation Rate | 86.6% | 75.0% |
| Payback Period | 6.3 yr | 6 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $21,096 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $224 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.45 | 0.47 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.9% | 84.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 82.2% | 75.4% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 38.3% | 22.7% |
| Enrollment | 23,300 | 2,705 |
| SAT Range | 1240-1410 | 1085-1285 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Clemson University | Citadel Military Col... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,607 | $15,430 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,109 | $16,456 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $18,851 | $18,140 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,833 | $20,620 |
| $110,001+ | $27,922 | $24,047 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Clemson University | Citadel Military Col... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $101,301 | $71,213 |
| Electrical Engineering | $96,446 | $88,869 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $91,028 | $83,912 |
| Civil Engineering | $84,873 | $81,055 |
| Accounting | $84,458 | $83,337 |
| Registered Nursing | $74,491 | $60,791 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,059 | $73,116 |
| International Relations | $64,822 | $68,504 |
| Biology | $65,577 | $36,066 |
| History | $50,125 | $64,869 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Clemson University | Citadel Military Col... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 83 | 86 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 88 | 89 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 82 | 78 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 94 | 85 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 83 | 84 |
| Overall ROI Score | 86 | 85 |
The Verdict
It's close. Clemson University edges out Citadel Military College of South Carolina by 1 points (86 vs 85), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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Clemson University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.