The Citadel vs WVU Tech

Citadel Military College of South Carolina and West Virginia University Institute of Technology, while both offering unique educational experiences, present distinct differences in their academic offerings, student demographics, and campus environments. Citadel, a military college with a long-standing tradition of leadership and discipline, boasts a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 68%, while WVU Tech, known for its strong engineering and technology programs, offers a more accessible admissions process with an acceptance rate of 86%. Citadel's student body is predominantly male, with a focus on military science and leadership development, while WVU Tech's student population is more diverse, with a significant emphasis on STEM fields. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further distinctions between these two institutions, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your college decision.
Citadel Military College of South Carolina logo

Citadel Military College of South Carolina

West Virginia University Institute of Technology logo

West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Overview

Location Charleston, South Carolina Beckley, West Virginia
Campus setting City: Midsize City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate
Students retention rate 86.0% 57.0%
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 86.4% 66.4%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $40

Graduate: $40
SAT range N/A 920 - 1130
ACT range N/A 19 - 25
Students submitting SAT score 60.0%
Students submitting ACT score 52.0%
Total number of applicants 2,470 902
Total number of admissions given out 2,134 599
Admitted students who chose to enroll 566 303
Yield rate 26.5% 50.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $48,551

Out of state: $71,807
In state: $20,008

Out of state: $31,576
Average net price $19,473 $10,966
Tuition
In state: $8,356

Out of state: $30,857
In state: $7,728

Out of state: $19,296
Room & board $7,593
Room/dormitory: $7,116

Meal plan: $4,694
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

79.0%
Average amount $11,451
91.0%
Average amount $8,199
Students receiving federal student loan 49.0%
Average amount $5,200
43.0%
Average amount $5,475
Students taking out private loans 17.0%
Average amount $26,781
4.0%
Average amount $15,027

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 2,718
Men 86.4% Women 13.6%
1,619
Men 50.6% Women 49.4%
Graduate students 975
Men 50.1% Women 49.9%
N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students 44.0% 9.1%
International students 1.1% 5.3%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Small
Dormitory capacity 2,372 404
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from South Carolina Georgia North Carolina Florida New York West Virginia Virginia Ohio Florida Colorado

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Education
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Psychology
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Liberal Arts
  • Psychology
Students to faculty ratio 11:1 12:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 73.1% 28.1%
Dropout rate 9.1% 35.4%
Transferred out 16.0% 36.5%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,909
  • Year 2: $82,123
  • Year 3: $97,617
Engineering-Related Fields (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $86,129
  • Year 3: $95,438
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,390
  • Year 2: $63,692
  • Year 3: $73,572
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,512
  • Year 2: $59,071
  • Year 3: $68,635
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,853
  • Year 2: $40,017
  • Year 3: $57,251
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,394
  • Year 2: $48,617
  • Year 3: $55,395
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,673
  • Year 2: $41,342
  • Year 3: $55,155
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,273
  • Year 2: $39,009
  • Year 3: $52,597
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,924
  • Year 2: $37,856
  • Year 3: $49,110
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $45,696
  • Year 3: $46,799
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,506
  • Year 2: $62,012
  • Year 3: $77,273
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,040
  • Year 2: $65,238
  • Year 3: $76,205
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,420
  • Year 2: $67,995
  • Year 3: $74,328
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,850
  • Year 2: $65,457
  • Year 3: $73,836
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,916
  • Year 2: $60,061
  • Year 3: $67,338
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,059
  • Year 2: $58,092
  • Year 3: $65,746
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,227
  • Year 2: $61,454
  • Year 3: $63,170
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,916
  • Year 2: $50,060
  • Year 3: $59,621
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,412
  • Year 2: $44,189
  • Year 3: $53,321
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $29,769
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $44,510

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What is the primary focus of each institution?

    The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, is a state-supported, comprehensive college with a strong emphasis on leadership development and military training within a structured, regimental system. West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) is a regional, technology-focused university offering a wide range of STEM programs and other fields, with a more traditional campus environment.

  • How does the campus environment differ?

    The Citadel has a highly structured and disciplined campus environment due to its military focus. Cadets live in barracks and adhere to a strict code of conduct. WVU Tech offers a more traditional college experience with a less regimented atmosphere, allowing for greater flexibility in student life and activities.

  • What are the key academic strengths of each college?

    The Citadel excels in leadership development, military science, and fields like engineering and business, often with a focus on practical application. WVU Tech is particularly strong in engineering, technology, and applied sciences, providing students with hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills.

  • What is the cost of attendance like at each institution?

    Both The Citadel and WVU Tech are state-supported institutions, which generally means lower tuition costs for in-state residents compared to out-of-state students or private colleges. However, specific tuition and fees can vary, so it's best to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information.

  • How does the student body composition compare?

    The Citadel's student body is primarily composed of cadets who are part of the Corps of Cadets, with a significant emphasis on military service. WVU Tech has a more diverse student body, including traditional students, transfer students, and a mix of backgrounds and interests.

  • What are the career prospects for graduates of each institution?

    Citadel graduates are well-prepared for careers in the military, government, and various leadership roles in the private sector. WVU Tech graduates are highly sought after in technology, engineering, and related industries, with strong job placement rates in their respective fields.

  • What extracurricular activities and campus life options are available?

    The Citadel offers a range of extracurricular activities, including military-related clubs, sports teams, and social events within the structured cadet system. WVU Tech provides a more traditional campus life experience with a variety of clubs, organizations, intramural sports, and social events.

  • How does the admissions process differ?

    The Citadel's admissions process includes an application, academic requirements, and a physical fitness assessment. WVU Tech's admissions process is generally less stringent, focusing on academic qualifications and standardized test scores. Both institutions require applications and supporting documentation.

  • Which institution is better for someone interested in a military career?

    The Citadel is the clear choice for those seeking a strong foundation for a military career. Its rigorous training, leadership development programs, and emphasis on military values provide excellent preparation for service.

  • Which institution is better for someone interested in technology and engineering?

    WVU Tech is an excellent choice for students interested in technology and engineering. Its specialized programs, hands-on learning opportunities, and industry connections provide a strong foundation for a successful career in these fields.