University of South Carolina-Columbia 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
On the numbers, Citadel Military College of South Carolina comes out ahead: 85/100 to 72/100, a 13-point edge over University of South Carolina-Columbia. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Citadel Military College of South Carolina runs $20,723 a year against $22,811 at University of South Carolina-Columbia - $2,088 more a year, or about $8,352 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 $62,177 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. The cost earns itself back in 8.5 years at University of South Carolina-Columbia 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 University of South Carolina-Columbia. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.49 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 | University of South Carol... | Citadel Military College ... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $12,688 | $12,570 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $35,972 | $38,508 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,811 | $20,723 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $91,244 | $82,892 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $43,900 | $44,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $62,177 | $72,085 |
| Graduation Rate | 78.8% | 75.0% |
| Payback Period | 8.5 yr | 6 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $21,096 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $224 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.49 | 0.47 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 75.9% | 84.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 74.5% | 75.4% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 60.2% | 22.7% |
| Enrollment | 29,820 | 2,705 |
| SAT Range | 1180-1360 | 1085-1285 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of South ... | Citadel Military Col... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,634 | $15,430 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,953 | $16,456 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $19,859 | $18,140 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,478 | $20,620 |
| $110,001+ | $28,125 | $24,047 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of South ... | Citadel Military Col... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $100,042 | $88,869 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $91,296 | $83,912 |
| Accounting | $86,507 | $83,337 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $84,720 | $71,213 |
| Civil Engineering | $84,148 | $81,055 |
| Registered Nursing | $80,768 | $60,791 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,527 | $73,116 |
| International Relations | $65,464 | $68,504 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $67,705 | $66,934 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $50,847 | $65,574 |
| History | $45,595 | $64,869 |
| Biology | $58,669 | $36,066 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of South ... | Citadel Military Col... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 66 | 86 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 72 | 89 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 75 | 78 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 88 | 85 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 57 | 84 |
| Overall ROI Score | 72 | 85 |
The Verdict
Citadel Military College of South Carolina has the clearly stronger ROI here (85 vs 72) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is noticeably better. That said, if University of South Carolina-Columbia is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
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University of South Carolina-Columbia
Fair 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.