Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Citadel Military College of South Carolina — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Public Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Charleston, South Carolina 98.1% Acceptance Rate

Citadel Military College of South Carolina Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Charleston, South Carolina 29409 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 https://citadel.edu/

Citadel Military College of South Carolina — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

98.1%Acceptance Rate
3.8Avg GPA
1184Avg SAT
24Avg ACT
$31,943Annual Cost
$72,085Grad Salary
19.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
98.1%
Avg GPA
3.8
Avg SAT
1184
Avg ACT
24
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1080–1250
ACT Middle 50%
22–26
Avg Net Price
$21,002
Need-Based Aid
19.2% receive Pell

Citadel Military College of South Carolina Acceptance Rate

Citadel Military College of South Carolina maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 98.1%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
  • Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.

Selectivity at a Glance

Inclusive
Citadel Military College of South Carolina Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 98.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.80 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.60 – 3.79
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.35
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Citadel Military College of South Carolina GPA Requirement

The average GPA of the admitted students at Citadel Military College of South Carolina is 3.8. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.

To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A's in all courses.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 4.00-4.20 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 3.50 and 3.8, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.

Citadel Military College of South Carolina GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.

Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.

Admissions at Citadel Military College of South Carolina utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.8, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.80 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.60 – 3.79
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.40 – 3.59
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.39
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At Citadel Military College of South Carolina, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
  • The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.

Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Check Your Admission Chances at Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Citadel Military College of South Carolina's verified institutional data

--%
Calculating Profile...

Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.

Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00

✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.

Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.

Citadel Military College of South Carolina Test Requirements

In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.

Can I Get Into Citadel Military College of South Carolina Without SAT or ACT?

Citadel Military College of South Carolina considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.

Citadel Military College of South Carolina Average SAT Score: 1184

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Citadel Military College of South Carolina is 1184 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Citadel Military College of South Carolina SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1184 — Less Competitive

This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1184 on the SAT.

SAT Math
575
SAT Reading
590
Composite
1184
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1250 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Citadel Military College of South Carolina allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 1080, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Citadel Military College of South Carolina. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SAT score percentiles for Citadel Military College of South Carolina
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math575540610
SAT Reading590540640
SAT Composite118410801250

It means that if you have scored less than 1080 then you are below most of the admitted students at Citadel Military College of South Carolina and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1250 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.

View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200

Can I get into Citadel Military College of South Carolina with a 1250 SAT?

With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Citadel Military College of South Carolina are good but the admission staff at Citadel Military College of South Carolina tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.

Citadel Military College of South Carolina ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at Citadel Military College of South Carolina is 24.

ACT Competitiveness

Citadel Military College of South Carolina ACT Competitiveness
ACT 24 — Slightly Competitive

This score makes Citadel Military College of South Carolina slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 24 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for Citadel Military College of South Carolina
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math232025
ACT English232125
ACT Composite242226

Can I get into Citadel Military College of South Carolina with a 26 ACT?

A 26 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Citadel Military College of South Carolina — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Citadel Military College of South Carolina use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Citadel Military College of South Carolina — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Citadel Military College of South Carolina uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 26 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 24

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer

Citadel Military College of South Carolina provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.

Meet Eligibility Floors

Ensure you have your high school diploma or GED ready. Open admission means you are in as long as you meet the basic administrative requirements.

Placement Preparation

Focus on the ACCUPLACER or internal placement tests. Performing well here allows you to jump directly into credit-bearing Math and English.

Transfer Path Planning

If you intend to move to a more selective school later, maintain a 3.5+ GPA here to make yourself a highly competitive transfer candidate.

Career Certification

Identify specific certificate programs or internships offered by Citadel Military College of South Carolina that connect directly to the local job market.

Note: While acceptance is guaranteed, space in specific high-demand programs (like Nursing or Tech) may still be competitive.

Citadel Military College of South Carolina Profile

Full Name
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
City
Charleston
State
South Carolina
ZIP Code
29409
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

Is a Citadel Military College of South Carolina Degree Worth It?

Getting into Citadel Military College of South Carolina can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Citadel Military College of South Carolina offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.

Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Citadel Military College of South Carolina is $66,700 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.97%.

How much does a degree from Citadel Military College of South Carolina Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Citadel Military College of South Carolina is $31,943. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Citadel Military College of South Carolina is $21,002.

19.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 36.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Citadel Military College of South Carolina and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At Citadel Military College of South Carolina, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Citadel Military College of South Carolina as your choice in the form.

How much does a Citadel Military College of South Carolina Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $72,085. An average Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.

$31,943Annual Cost
$21,002Net Price
19.2%Pell Grant
36.9%Federal Loan
$72,085Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Citadel Military College of South Carolina. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Huntingdon College Montgomery, AL 1148 23
University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 1174 25
Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA 1155 22
University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO 1140 25
Lynn University Boca Raton, FL 1136 25
Florida International University Miami, FL 1154 23
University of West Florida Pensacola, FL 1137 24
Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, GA 1150 24
Georgia State University Atlanta, GA 1149 23
Toccoa Falls College Toccoa Falls, GA 1155 23
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Citadel Military College of South Carolina. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 1174 25
Harding University Searcy, AR 1187 25
Dominican University of California San Rafael, CA 1194 26
University of New Haven West Haven, CT 1190 NA
Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL 1182 25
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Citadel Military College of South Carolina. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL 1251 26
University of Mobile Mobile, AL 1220 24
University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 1261 26
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Prescott, AZ 1256 27
John Brown University Siloam Springs, AR 1222 26

Degree Programs at Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Bachelor Degree Programs

Masters Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Citadel Military College of South Carolina →

Frequently Asked Questions About Citadel Military College of South Carolina Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $72,085 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.

The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $31,943 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.

19.2% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.

The acceptance rate of Citadel Military College of South Carolina is 98.1% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

The average GPA of admitted students is 3.8. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.

While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.5, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.5, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 3.4 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.

While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.8, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.

Admission to Citadel Military College of South Carolina is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1184 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1080–1250.

Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.

To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

SK

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

Explore Other Options