Key takeaways:
- ROTC scholarships are offered by the US Army, Air Force, and Navy at participating colleges and universities.
- Participants receive monetary awards to cover tuition, fees, room and board, and/or other education related expenses.
- ROTC graduates must serve as an officer in the military branch for a set period of time and meet other requirements, such as completing leadership courses and training camps.
Flickr user Oregon State University
ROTC scholarships are monetary awards for college students who participate in one of the US military branches’ ROTC programs. They can cover up to full tuition and fees or be used towards room and board, depending on the scholarship. However, recipients have to agree to a commission as an officer upon college graduation and meet various other requirements depending on the branch. Below, we’ve outlined the three ROTC scholarship programs through the Army, Navy, and Air Force with some information about their application criteria.
What is ROTC?
ROTC, or Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, are U.S. military programs for college students. Many of those who participate receive college scholarships and enter the military as a commissioned officer. Participants are expected to take select military or leadership courses alongside their other classes, complete physical training, and attend field training exercises. In most cases, students can major in any area of study they’d like.
What are ROTC scholarships?
ROTC scholarships provide participants with money for tuition and fees or room and board, and some students are eligible for additional stipends. However, those who receive the scholarship must agree to serve in the military as an officer for a set number of years. Exact requirements and benefits depend on the military branch.
If the student drops out of the program at any point, they may have to enlist for a set number of years or pay back the money.
Currently, the Air Force, Army, and Navy offer ROTC scholarships.
Army
Army ROTC is offered at more than 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States. 4-year participants receive fully covered tuition and fees with potential additional stipends for personal expenses and books. Students need to complete courses, basic camp, and advanced camp.
Graduates enter the Army as a Second Lieutenant and must serve at least four years as a full-time Army officer. After the initial four years, you must extend your contract for four more years in the Army or the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).
There are slightly different applications for high school and college students. Some application requirements include:
- Be at least 17 years old
- Have an unweighted high school GPA of 2.5
- Take the SAT or ACT
- Pass the Army Physical Fitness Assessment and Army Fitness Test
- Meet weight and height requirements
Army ROTC also has a 2-year program that doesn’t require a service commitment as long as the student didn’t receive a scholarship.
Air Force
Air Force ROTC offers scholarships for high school graduates and current college students. There are capped and uncapped tuition scholarships and an option to convert the money to cover housing rather than tuition. There are stipends available for additional expenses that increase each year.
Some requirements for high school applicants are:
- Earn at least 1310 SAT or 28 ACT score
- Have a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA
- Pass the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board medical exam and Physical Fitness Assessment
- Serve in the Air Force or Space Force for at least four years after graduation
Current college students can also apply to the In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP) or General Charles McGee Leadership Award (CMLA).
Navy
The Navy ROTC’s midshipmen who graduate and complete the requirements become either Ensigns in the Navy or Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps. The scholarship money can cover tuition and fees or room and board. It also includes a monthly stipend and three summer training cruises.
The application process is highly competitive and students must:
- Have a minimum 1100 on the SAT or a 21 on the ACT Math and 22 on the ACT English
- Pass medical and physical requirements
- Commit to five years of active duty in the Navy or Marines and an additional three years of Inactive Ready Reserve
If you’re interested in joining the military, an ROTC scholarship can be the perfect way to get much of college paid for and enter the branch of your choice as an officer. However, these programs are competitive and you could receive less money if you wait to apply. Research ROTC options, participating colleges, and requirements early and apply while you’re in high school to maximize potential benefits. But don’t take the after-graduation commitment to serve lightly, as you’ll likely be on the hook for the money if you don’t take the commission.
Want to explore schools that offer these ROTC programs? Start with College Match to compare your options.
