Does ROTC Pay for College?
There are three types of military-focused education options: those at a military college, a service academy, or an ROTC program at a college or university.
These education options are known for providing the rigors of an elite education with a military focus emphasizing discipline and teamwork.
During my children’s high school years, I witnessed many cadets in the NJROTC program opting to pursue a military-focused education after graduation. Some chose a service academy, while others chose to attend a traditional college with an ROTC program.
But what are the benefits of being in an ROTC program at a college or university? What types of ROTC programs are there? What does an ROTC scholarship pay for? We'll explain ROTC programs and answer these questions now.
What is the ROTC Program?
The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) prepares college students for a career in the military by offering them a college education and field training. ROTC programs are designed to instill confidence in cadets as they strengthen their core values of honor, courage, and commitment.
ROTC students are still university students and must complete their college coursework in their desired major, just as any other student would.
ROTC offers service opportunities in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force. If you are interested in the Coast Guard, there is a similar program for college students, despite not being called ROTC.
Joining ROTC opens the door to professional skills development, scholarship opportunities, and tuition assistance, and, upon completion, attaining the rank of officer in the United States Armed Forces.
Which colleges offer ROTC programs?
Not all colleges and universities offer an ROTC program, but you'll find one at more than 1,700 today.
Head to MyFuture for a complete list. You can also search the website of each branch of service to locate ROTC programs.
What types of ROTC programs are available?
Each brand of service has a slightly different ROTC program, and here are some specifics:
Army ROTC
The Army ROTC program is currently offered at more than 1,000 colleges and universities across the U.S. When enrolled, the participants receive an education in topics such as leadership, military tactics, survival training, and more.
Marine Corps ROTC
The Navy runs the ROTC program for both the Navy and the Marine Corps, and this ROTC program is the largest single source of Navy and Marine Corps officers.
Students who join Marine Corps ROTC receive education and training that can prepare them for leadership positions in an increasingly technical Marine Corps.
Navy ROTC
NROTC is offered at 170 colleges and universities across the United States. It prepares mature young men and women for leadership and management positions in an increasingly technical Navy.
Air Force ROTC
The Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) program is designed to develop the leadership and management skills essential for an Air Force or Space Force officer while preparing participants for assignments in a career field related to an academic specialty.
AFROTC is offered in nearly 1,100 colleges and universities.
Coast Guard Pre-Commissioning Initiative
While the Coast Guard does not offer ROTC, it does have a similar program called the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI). This is designed for college students who demonstrate academic and leadership excellence and a desire to serve in the Coast Guard.
How much does ROTC pay for college?
ROTC offers competitive scholarship programs that can make education affordable and help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
These scholarships are offered at many traditional four-year colleges and universities, senior military colleges (all branches except the Coast Guard), and junior military colleges (Army and Navy ROTC only).
ROTC Scholarships
ROTC scholarships cover full tuition and fees, including a separate book allowance and a monthly stipend of up to $5,000 annually.
Like other scholarships you might apply for, ROTC scholarships are not automatic upon joining the program. You must compete for them because they are highly competitive, and only a small number of the most qualified candidates receive them each year.
Scholarships often go to students majoring in subjects that are highly valued or needed by the military, such as engineering, computer science, specific foreign languages, or nursing.
Here is a breakdown of the average number of scholarships awarded by each branch:
- Army ROTC – 3000 high school scholarships
- Air Force ROTC – 1000 high school scholarships
- Navy ROTC – 1,200 high school scholarships
- Marine Corps Option ROTC – 340 high school scholarships (out of 2,500 applicants)
If you’d like to learn more and possibly apply for an ROTC scholarship, visit the website of the service branch you are interested in. It’s a good idea to start researching these scholarships as early as possible, preferably during your junior year of high school.
Here are links to get you to the right place:
- Army ROTC applications for high school students can be found online through the Army’s website.
- Air Force and Navy ROTC applications for high school students can be found online through each service’s website.
- Students interested in a Marine Corps ROTC scholarship must apply through the Navy ROTC.
What are the ROTC scholarship requirements?
The requirements for the scholarship may differ by Service branch. However, here are some general qualifications for an ROTC scholarship:
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Must have at least a 2.5 GPA (3.0 for Air Force ROTC)
- Must meet minimum SAT and/or ACT requirements
- Must have a high school diploma
- Must meet prescribed physical fitness standards
- Must agree to accept a commission and serve as an active-duty service member or in the Reserve or Guard
Applications are typically submitted by the end of the first semester of a high school student’s senior year.
What is the military commitment if you receive an ROTC scholarship?
Students who receive a scholarship are expected to serve in the military after graduation. This commitment can range from four to ten years, depending on the military branch.
- The Army ROTC scholarship requires eight years of active service after graduation — four years of active duty and four years in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard.
- The Navy ROTC scholarship requires five years of active-duty service after graduation.
- The Marine Corps and Navy Nurse Corps scholarships require four years of active-duty service.
- The Air Force ROTC scholarship requires four years of active-duty service for those entering non-flight career fields, six years for those entering the air battle management/combat systems officer/navigator career field, and ten years for those entering the pilot career field.
What is required when you accept an ROTC scholarship?
When you accept an ROTC scholarship, you are legally bound to serve in the military for a certain number of years. Additionally, once you are enrolled in the program and receive the scholarship, you will be obligated to complete these additional requirements:
· ROTC courses in addition to your other college curriculum.
· ROTC leadership and physical training to prepare you for a military career.
· ROTC summer programs as part of your professional and leadership development training.
ROTC benefits without an ROTC scholarship
While many students may think joining ROTC is only beneficial if they receive a scholarship, that’s not quite true. Participating in the program still has several cost-saving benefits, even without being awarded a scholarship.
Here are just a few ways ROTC can help pay for college without a scholarship:
Tuition assistance
Even without a scholarship, cadets can still receive financial support for their education, covering up to 100% of tuition and fees at certain colleges and universities.
Room and board stipend
Cadets also receive a stipend for room and board expenses depending on the academic year and military branch.
Military specific scholarships
There are many scholarships specifically available for students who participate in ROTC which can cover additional costs such as books, supplies and other fees.
Eligibility requirements for non-scholarship applicants
Non-scholarship ROTC programs are available to students who meet certain eligibility requirements and are willing to commit their time and effort to serving in the military after graduation. These requirements include:
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must meet the minimum age requirement: 17 for the Army and Air Force, 18 for the Navy and Marine Corps.
- Must pass a physical fitness test as part of your application.
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4-point scale.
- Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university offering an ROTC program.
- Must commit to serving in the military after graduation.
To apply for non-scholarship ROTC, you must apply to the program through the college or university’s ROTC department.
Military commitment without an ROTC scholarship
Non-scholarship ROTC cadets also commit to serving in the military after graduation. Unlike scholarship cadets, however, who have already made this commitment when accepting their scholarship offer, non-scholarship cadets make this commitment during their junior year of college.
Are there ROTC scholarships for current college students?
Two-year and three-year scholarship options are available to current college students.
Army Col. Brad Brown, a professor of military science at Texas A&M University—College Station, explains,
"The Army (ROTC) has a lot of scholarship opportunities once you've made your mark on campus. If you didn't do particularly well in high school but you arrive on campus and do extremely well in the program at the university, there are a lot of opportunities to earn that scholarship in the Army".
For students currently enrolled in college, the Army and Navy ROTC both offer two- and three-year scholarships. The Air Force offers the In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP), which awards scholarships based on merit during two selection periods in the fall and spring.
Research colleges and programs with Appily
College ROTC programs play a pivotal role in shaping the future leaders of our military while developing valuable skills that extend beyond service commitments. These programs also provide financial benefits that make higher education more accessible.
ROTC programs prepare cadets for successful military careers by bridging the gap between academic learning and military training. They also equip graduates with the tools to thrive in various professional fields if they choose to leave the military after fulfilling their service obligations.
With a free Appily account, you can search our expansive database of colleges to learn about those with ROTC programs. Then, you can compare them on other points like tuition costs, average scholarship awards, application deadlines, and even acceptance rates.
Simply click the button below to access all the tools you need to plan, decide, and apply for college.
