Citadel hits record with 777 students in freshman class

A record-breaking freshman class for The Citadel reported to campus Saturday for orientation and military training.

Of the 777 male and female cadets, more than half — 398 — are from South Carolina. That’s the largest class of in-state students in nearly 50 years.

In all, this is the sixth year in a row that The Citadel has had a freshman class of more than 700 students. Last year, 763 cadets reported for Matriculation Day.

“We are pleased with the strong numbers for the Class of 2016 and look forward to watching as they begin their college education and their leadership development at The Citadel,” said Lt. Col. John Powell, the military college’s admissions director.

This class has broken Citadel records for the number of applications (2,760) and number of women (64).

There are 153 ethnic minorities among the class, including 60 African-Americans and 40 Hispanic students. In this freshman class, 38 states and four foreign countries are represented.

The first year for these knobs will focus on physical fitness, military and discipline.

The Corps of Cadets returns to campus Aug. 19. Classes begin Aug. 23.