Are you interested in joining the armed forces? Do you need money for college? Consider joining an ROTC program. These programs are designed to teach military tactics as well as to promote leadership and character. The core regimen consists of two years of special elective classes, exercises, and workshops. Students may participate in this regimen without committing to serve in the armed forces. Those who commit to serve after college may elect to take an additional two years of courses and apply for ROTC scholarship aid.
The Army, Navy, and Air Force each have their own ROTC program, and eligibility requirements vary by branch. However, to participate in the core regimen, students generally must:
- Meet physical fitness requirements
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Score at least 19 on the ACT or 920 on the SAT (excluding the writing section). The Navy and Air Force require slightly higher scores.
- Enroll in a college or university that offers an ROTC program (this includes nearly all major institutions).
- Attend ROTC courses and exercises for two to four years. In most cases, ROTC courses count as elective credits.
Additionally, in order to receive scholarship aid, students must:
- Apply for aid. The application includes a basic online component, a counselor certification, a personal statement, a resume, a physical fitness assessment, and an interview. The application focuses entirely upon merit rather than financial need.
- Commit to serve (usually between five and ten years) in the armed forces after college. This often includes a term of active duty service followed by service in a reserve unit. In most cases, students may opt-out of a scholarship after freshman year without having to complete the post-graduate service requirement.
- Meet standards of academic merit, extra curricular activity, and leadership experience similar to those required by a college application
Applicants are selected based on merit and intended field of study, with priority generally given to technical fields. Scholarships are available for both high school seniors and college underclassmen. Details about scholarships vary by military branch, but most include a yearly tuition payment ranging from $3,000 to full tuition, up to $900 per semester for books, and monthly stipends for living expenses. Most scholarships have applications deadlines in December and January and recommend that students apply early. Interested college students should talk to their school’s ROTC representative. High school students should talk to an academic advisor or local recruitment officer.
For more information, visit the following websites:
- Army: http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/index.jsp
- Navy: https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/
- Air Force: www.afrotc.com/
ROTC scholarships require a steep post-graduate commitment. Students looking only for financial aid should explore other options before the ROTC. However, for those interested in joining the military, an ROTC scholarship is a great way to pay for college.