University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Citadel Military College of South Carolina: which has better ROI?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $82,892 in 3.5 years versus 6.6 years at University of South Carolina-Columbia, on median earnings of $72,085 vs $62,177 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of South Carolina-Columbia | Citadel Military College of South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,811 | $20,723 |
| Total net cost | $91,244 | $82,892 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $62,177 | $72,085 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $21,096 |
| Payback | 6.6 yrs | 3.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $185,096 | $391,608 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of South Carolina-Columbia or Citadel Military College of South Carolina?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina, at $20,723 a year after aid versus $22,811 — a gap of $2,088 a year, or $8,352 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of South Carolina-Columbia or Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduates earn more?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduates report a median $72,085 ten years after entry, $9,908 more than the $62,177 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of South Carolina-Columbia or Citadel Military College of South Carolina?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina: its completers carry a median $21,096 in federal loans versus $21,500 at University of South Carolina-Columbia, a difference of $404. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
79% of students finish at University of South Carolina-Columbia, against 75% at Citadel Military College of South Carolina. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.