Head-to-head · 2026
Citadel Military College of South Carolina vs University of South Carolina-Upstate
Compare average net price ($20,723 at Citadel Military College of South Carolina; $13,557 at University of South Carolina-Upstate), ROI score (8.70 vs 8.96), ten-year median earnings ($72,085 vs $48,587), and admissions selectivity (22.7% acceptance at Citadel Military College of South Carolina; 67.3% at University of South Carolina-Upstate) using federal College Scorecard data. Citadel Military College of South Carolina has a 5-2 metric-level edge. University of South Carolina-Upstate 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-Upstate |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.70 | 8.96 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $20,723 | $13,557 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $72,085 ✓ | $48,587 |
| Acceptance rate | 22.7% ✓ | 67.3% |
| Graduation rate | 75% ✓ | 43% |
| Median debt | $21,096 ✓ | $22,310 |
| Enrollment | 2,705 | 4,038 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1208 ✓ | 1099 |
| Metric advantages | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Citadel Military College of South Carolina costs $7,166 more per year than University of South Carolina-Upstate ($20,723 vs $13,557). Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduates report $23,498 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,085 vs $48,587). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina-Upstate ahead on projected ROI (8.96 vs 8.70, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of South Carolina-Upstate) 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 67.3% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Upstate.
Frequently asked
Citadel Military College of South Carolina vs University of South Carolina-Upstate, 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-Upstate the better value?
University of South Carolina-Upstate has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.96 vs 8.70), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina-Upstate is cheaper — average net price $13,557 per year vs $20,723 at Citadel Military College of South Carolina. The annual difference of $7,166 adds up to about $28,664 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 $48,587 at University of South Carolina-Upstate. The annual gap in the federal data is $23,498.
Which school is harder to get into?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina is more selective at 22.7% acceptance vs 67.3% at University of South Carolina-Upstate.
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-Upstate reports B.