Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
Background Information
ROTC programs were designed to augment the service academies in producing leaders and managers for the armed forces. Each branch of the service has a specific set of courses and training that officers must complete prior to joining. ROTC programs allow students to do this while completing their college education. Upon graduation members are commissioned (certified) by the President of the United States to serve as a leader in active, reserve or guard components of each branch.
Financial Benefits
Each branch of the service offers ROTC scholarships to eligible students. Eligibility criteria is listed by branch below. The table below lists the the different scholarship levels.
Note: ROTC Scholarships DO NOT pay for your room and board.
| Scholarship Type | Pays | Stipend | When Do I Apply |
| 4 Year National | Full Tuition Books, Fees | $200 | Junior/Senior year of High School |
| 2 or 3 Year Scholarships | Full Tuition Books, Fees | $200 | Freshman/Sophmore year of College |
| College Program | N/A | $200 | Freshman/Sophmore year of College |
| Unit Scholarships* | Full Tuition Books, Fees | $200 | Freshman/Sophmore year of College |
*Each commanding officer of an ROTC can select one student a year for a merit scholarship. You normally have to spend at least one semester on campus.
ROTC scholarship comparison table
| Branch | Can I choose my school? | Can I choose my Major? | Mininum Test Requirements |
| Army | Students that apply for Army ROTC scholarships can choose up to three schools. Scholarships are awarded based upon availability at the school of your choice. The Army does try to match the needs of the student in most cases, but the Army does have final say to which school you attend. | Yes, within limits | 920 SAT/19 ACT |
| Navy & Marines | Naval ROTC grants the student the most flexibility in selecting schools. Students can attend any one of 67 host NROTC universities once they obtain a scholarship. | Yes, but you must complete 1 yr of calculus & 1 yr of calculus based physics | 520 M 530 V SAT
22 ACT (Navy)
1000 SAT or combined 45 ACT (USMC) |
| Air Force | Air Force ROTC scholarships are distributed by major. You are free to choose any school as long as the school you want to attend offers AFROTC & has an approved scholarship major. | Must be approved by the USAF | 520 M 530 V SAT
24 ACT |
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