Head-to-head · 2026
Citadel Military College of South Carolina vs University of South Carolina Aiken
Compare average net price ($20,723 at Citadel Military College of South Carolina; $11,641 at University of South Carolina Aiken), ROI score (8.70 vs 9.79), ten-year median earnings ($72,085 vs $45,603), and admissions selectivity (22.7% acceptance at Citadel Military College of South Carolina; 78.5% at University of South Carolina Aiken) using federal College Scorecard data. Citadel Military College of South Carolina has a 5-2 metric-level edge. University of South Carolina Aiken leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Citadel Military College of South Carolina | University of South Carolina Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.70 | 9.79 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $20,723 | $11,641 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $72,085 ✓ | $45,603 |
| Acceptance rate | 22.7% ✓ | 78.5% |
| Graduation rate | 75% ✓ | 39.9% |
| Median debt | $21,096 ✓ | $24,275 |
| Enrollment | 2,705 | 2,962 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1208 ✓ | 1120 |
| Metric advantages | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Citadel Military College of South Carolina costs $9,082 more per year than University of South Carolina Aiken ($20,723 vs $11,641). Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduates report $26,482 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,085 vs $45,603). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina Aiken ahead on projected ROI (9.79 vs 8.70, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of South Carolina Aiken) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Citadel Military College of South Carolina is selective at 22.7% acceptance versus 78.5% (accessible) at University of South Carolina Aiken.
Frequently asked
Citadel Military College of South Carolina vs University of South Carolina Aiken, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Citadel Military College of South Carolina or University of South Carolina Aiken the better value?
University of South Carolina Aiken has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.79 vs 8.70), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina Aiken is cheaper — average net price $11,641 per year vs $20,723 at Citadel Military College of South Carolina. The annual difference of $9,082 adds up to about $36,328 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $72,085 vs $45,603 at University of South Carolina Aiken. The annual gap in the federal data is $26,482.
Which school is harder to get into?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina is more selective at 22.7% acceptance vs 78.5% at University of South Carolina Aiken.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Citadel Military College of South Carolina reports a B value grade; University of South Carolina Aiken reports B.