Head-to-head · 2026
Citadel Military College of South Carolina vs University of South Carolina-Sumter
Compare average net price ($20,723 at Citadel Military College of South Carolina; $7,712 at University of South Carolina-Sumter), ROI score (8.70 vs 13.76), ten-year median earnings ($72,085 vs $42,437), and admissions selectivity (22.7% acceptance at Citadel Military College of South Carolina; 74.1% at University of South Carolina-Sumter) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 3-3. University of South Carolina-Sumter 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-Sumter |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.70 | 13.76 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $20,723 | $7,712 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $72,085 ✓ | $42,437 |
| Acceptance rate | 22.7% ✓ | 74.1% |
| Graduation rate | 75% ✓ | 39.2% |
| Median debt | $21,096 | $9,250 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,705 | 716 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1208 | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Citadel Military College of South Carolina costs $13,011 more per year than University of South Carolina-Sumter ($20,723 vs $7,712). Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduates report $29,648 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,085 vs $42,437). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina-Sumter ahead on projected ROI (13.76 vs 8.70, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of South Carolina-Sumter) 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 74.1% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Sumter.
Frequently asked
Citadel Military College of South Carolina vs University of South Carolina-Sumter, 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-Sumter the better value?
University of South Carolina-Sumter has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.76 vs 8.70), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina-Sumter is cheaper — average net price $7,712 per year vs $20,723 at Citadel Military College of South Carolina. The annual difference of $13,011 adds up to about $52,044 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 $42,437 at University of South Carolina-Sumter. The annual gap in the federal data is $29,648.
Which school is harder to get into?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina is more selective at 22.7% acceptance vs 74.1% at University of South Carolina-Sumter.
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-Sumter reports A.