Top Military Schools in South Carolina 2024 | All You Need to Know 

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If you hope to find the best military schools and colleges in South Carolina (SC) for boys, girls, and troubled youth in general, you’re sure to find one. Besides structured military schools, there are other military-friendly schools as well in South Carolina.  

South Carolina is a gorgeous location to live as well as has an important heritage. The state has a military history and background which makes it a fitting place to study. Although there are a few military schools in the state despite its military history, the SC military schools rival anything else the nation has to offer.

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We have explored and come up with a guide on the best military colleges for boys and girls and any troubled youth in South Carolina. We have specified the factors to consider when choosing a military school. 

Let’s dive in!!!

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ALSO READ: Top 10 Military Colleges in Georgia | All You Need to Know

Admission Criteria to Get into Military Schools in South Carolina 

All military schools in SC have their own admission requirements and criteria. What this means is that before enrolling into any of these schools we will list below, you must possess certain criteria.

Because of the peculiarity of each school, chances are that the admission requirements would differ from school to school. Therefore, it is important to factor to know what each school requires before sending in your admission application.

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Each military school in South Carolina has its admission requirements for admission. However, there are admission requirements that are common to all the military schools in the state be it for girls or boys, high school or college or undergrad.

Here are some of the general admission requirements for SC military schools for troubled youth;

  • Be of the required age range.
  • Be free of felony charges and no pending court proceedings
  • Must be physically and mentally capable of participating in the program
  • Be free from the use of illegal drugs or other substances.
  • Also, applicants must submit all supporting documents completely filled as required by the school.

Any additional requirements will be school specific. 

How Many Military Schools are in South Carolina?

As of 2022, there are two internationally recognized military high schools and two military colleges in South Carolina. What this means is that whether you have a troubled youth in high school or college, there are befitting military schools in South Carolina for them.

ALSO READ: Top Military Schools in Michigan | All You Need to Know 

List Of The Top Military Schools in South Carolina 

South Carolina is one of America’s top states and one of the best places to live in the USA according to Veluxx. Although there are few military schools in the state, the number of schools has been serving the residents of South Carolina over the years. 

Just like the military schools in North Carolina, those in South Carolina are accredited by the right bodies and organizations. Here we have listed and explained all you need to know about all the military schools in South Carolina for both boys and girls to help you make a choice of which is the best for your child. 

Keep in mind the requirements and location of each school are different. For clarity, we have specified which school is a high school and which is a college.

#1. Camden Military Academy

  • Grades: 7-12
  • Founded: 1958
  • # of Students: 300 
  • Contact:  1-800-948-6291.
  • Student / Teacher Ratio: 8:1
  • Location: Camden, South Carolina 
  • Tuition: $27,000 (Full Payment Plan) 

Talking about the most recognized military school in South Carolina, we refer to Camden Military Academy. Since its inception in 1958, Camden Military Academy has established a long-standing reputation for both local and international students in the fourth oldest city in the United States.

Camden Military Academy is an all-male private boarding school which makes it limited to just boys in grades 7-12. Although a boarding school, Camden Military Academy gives students the option to spend either 5 or 7 days per week on campus. The school dormitories are separated according to grades. 

As a school open to international students, CMA prides itself on the diversity of its student population which includes nearly 1 in 4 students of color. CMA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Just like a rule of law, Camden Military Academy is one of the military schools in South Carolina that mandates all of its cadets to participate in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) and all its daily drills and exercises.

In addition to academics, Camden Military Academy has a strong and proud athletic tradition. Cadets will always participate in various sports activities.  Also, cadets can join organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, Civil Air Patrol organizations, and the Blackjacks drill team.

Just before you go ahead to enroll in this military school, keep in mind that admission is very selective.

ENROLL TO CAMDEN 

#2. The Citadel

  • Founded: 1842
  • # of Students: 3,500 
  • Student / Teacher Ratio: 12:1
  • Grades: UGRD & GRADUATE
  • Location: Charleston, South Carolina 
  • Tuition: In-state ($30,400 (freshman) $25,000 (sophomores, juniors, and seniors)), out-of-state ($53,650 (freshman) $48,350 (sophomores, juniors, and seniors)) 

Next on our list of top military colleges in South Carolina is The Citadel. The Citadel is one of the oldest military schools for undergraduates, graduates, and troubled youth in South Carolina. Alongside Virginia Military Institute which is one of the best military schools in Virginia, The Citadel is 1 of 6 senior military colleges in the United States.

As a college, The Citadel has over 20 departments across its 5 colleges: Business, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science and Mathematics which are within the university for academic degrees. Each of these five colleges offers 40 programs, 23 majors, and 38 minors. The Citadel also features a graduate school with 26 different master’s programs and over 40 different concentrations.

Despite being academically conscious, The Citadel which is one of the best military schools in South Carolina utilizes a military model in its environment although it is not mandatory. So while obtaining a degree, cadets can participate in drills or non-military programs on campus. One reason to enroll in The Citadel is the availability of online programs and evening classes which are open to mid-career and working professionals.

Although The Citadel is not a boarding school, cadets who plan to participate in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets must live on campus. There is also a program option for new veterans to assist military retirees in returning to school to complete their degrees. The Citadel classes are also open to active-duty personnel in the Marine Corps and U.S. Navy.

The Citadel is open to men and women however women comprise approximately 10% of the enrollment. Also, nearly 1 in 4 cadets at The Citadel is a person of color.

ENROLL IN THE CITADEL 

#3. Military Magnet Academy

  • Grades: 6-12
  • Founded: 1997
  • # of Students: 300 
  • Contact:  (843) 745-7102.
  • Student / Teacher Ratio: 12:1
  • Location: North Charleston, South Carolina 
  • Tuition: No tuition for all cadets enrolled at MMA

Military Magnet Academy is one of the best military schools in SC. As a high school, the school has distinguished itself from other prestigious military schools in South Carolina because its a public offering and is open to both boys and girls. However, this SC military school is only open to residents of North Charleston or those residing nearby. 

Military Magnet Academy is a public school and as such requires all cadets to wear uniforms and participate in JROTC. Following its academics, Military Magnet Academy is considered a disciplined leadership school that allows cadets to pursue a standard high school diploma or seek dual credit courses.

Currently, Military Magnet Academy has a new classroom that features different tech-based studies called the Center for Advanced Studies (CAS). Also, athletics, drill teams, leadership training, and summer camps are encouraged at MMA.

Upon graduation, cadets from Military Magnet Academy will achieve academic excellence, be self-disciplined, and develop the spirit of citizenship.

ENROLL TO MMA

#4. University of South Carolina AROTC

  • Faculty: 1,600 
  • Grades: College
  • Students: 45,000 
  • Location: Columbia, South Carolina 

Next on our list of best military schools and colleges for troubled youth in South Carolina is the University of South Carolina. 

The University of South Carolina has an Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program. The Army ROTC program at USC focuses on training cadets to become better students and leaders in academics and character. 

Beyond academics, the University of South Carolina AROTC program has a traditional college curriculum where cadets study military science. Classes may involve subjects like troop leadership procedures and military history. 

Hence if you want your child to be fully involved in military programs, the University of South Carolina AROTC program is the best fit.

ENROLL AT USC AROTC

#5. Wofford College ROTC

  • Faculty: 150 
  • Grades: College
  • Students: 1,500 
  • Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina 

The military program at Wofford College is not widely recognized but it has been internationally recognized for encouraging students to excel academically and physically. 

Students are expected to do well academically while balancing their ROTC duties and schedule. Participating in physical fitness is a core part of the ROTC program. Students learn about military science while building their physical and mental health.

It is safe to say Wofford College is one of the military-friendly schools in South Carolina (SC). 

ENROLL AT WOFFORD COLLEGE 

What is the cost of military schools in South Carolina? 

There is no specific tuition rate for South Carolina military colleges and schools. Depending on the school type, tuition may or may not be required. 

Public military schools in SC do not require tuition whereas private schools will require not just tuition but also accommodation cost. Also, in other military-friendly schools in South Carolina, the tuition cost will depend on the level of education you’re enrolling for, the location of the Academy, and the duration of the program.

Once you have made a choice of school for your child, visit the school website for details on tuition. 

ALSO READ: Top Military Schools in Florida | All You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions About Military Colleges in South Carolina 

How Old Can I Get Into Military Schools In SC?

The age requirement will differ from school to school. Every school has its specified age requirements. To get a grasp of the school’s expectations age-wise, we advise you to visit the school’s website once you have made a choice. 

What is the famous military academy in South Carolina?

The famous military school or academy in South Carolina is The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. The Citadel is a public senior military college and one of six senior military colleges in the United States.

Is there a free military school in South Carolina?

Yes, the Military Magnet Academy is free and offers a free JROTC program. Hence it is a free military school.

What kind of education do military colleges in South Carolina offer?

Because it’s military, it is often easy to think that all military colleges in South Carolina focus on military science, however, that is not true. Most military schools and colleges in SC focus on the academic development of every child as well as physical, mental, and character development.

Most schools have rigorous academic programs that include a traditional core curriculum of English, math, science, and social studies, as well as specialized courses in leadership, character development, and military history.

What are the admission requirements for South Carolina military schools?

Admission requirements for SC military schools vary, but all types will include a 

– minimum GPA
– standardized test scores
– physical fitness standards
– demonstrated interest in military leadership and character development.

Conclusion 

All of these military schools we have listed above are accredited by the national bodies making them safe and reputable for enrollment. Learn more about the schools, apply, or contact the admissions officer for more information that is not included here.

References 

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