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ROTC awards scholarships to students who commit to serve in the armed forces.
A ROTC scholarship covers most of your college expenses in exchange for your participation in military training during college and service after graduation. If you are a student interested in a military career or looking for a diverse post-college career, a ROTC scholarship may be an option to consider. Here's what you need to know before applying.
What is ROTC?
ÖReserve Officer Training Corps(ROTC) is an officer training program for college students who commit to serving in the U.S. military after college. There are more than 1,700 civilian, military, and junior military colleges that host and participate in a ROTC program. Oarmy,Marineeair forceeach has their own ROTC, and while the Marine Corps does not have its own ROTC, it doesmaritime Variantthe ROTC Navy. For information on ROTC programs (including host schools, tuition assistance, admissions requirements, graduate benefits, and more), visit their websites.
It is worth remembering that ROTC grants are among the various forms of assistance offered by the military. The Coast Guard offers another form of support through thePrecommissioning Initiative for College Students (CSPI). If accepted into this scholarship program, students are accepted into the Coast Guard, complete basic summer training, and receive full funding for up to two years of college.
How can ROTC help pay for college?
High school students who apply to an ROTC program are eligible for scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition, fees, and textbooks for four years, as well as a monthly stipend for living expenses. Students who have financial needs beyond what is covered by an ROTC grant may seek additional help from the federal government or other sources.
By accepting a ROTC scholarship, you are required by law to serve in the military for a specified number of years. If you do not meet the academic or military requirements of a ROTC grant, you may be disqualified from the ROTC and may remain on additional active duty and have the ROTC grant refunded.
ROTC Scholarship Requirements.
ROTC-Kurse.If you apply to a ROTC program and receive a ROTC scholarship, you must take ROTC courses in addition to your other college courses. Most colleges that host a ROTC program offer courses on the history, structure, and function of the military branch you are in, as well as other industry-specific courses.
ROTC training.In addition to the academic part of the program, you will also receive military training. These include leadership theory, field operations and tactics, health and fitness. In this way, ROTC programs bring elements of military life and service into the college experience. Students who do not wish to immerse themselves in a full-time military environment may consider attending a ROTC program instead of attending a military college.
ROTC Summer Program.As part of professional and leadership development training, ROTC cadets are required to attend summer training courses at various locations each year.
- Army ROTC students attend base camp in Fort Knox, KY, which includes both classroom and field training over an accelerated four-week period. The camp qualifies freshmen and sophomores for direct enrollment in the advanced course, which consists of electives taken in the last two years of college and a five-week advanced summer program also held in Fort Knox. The advanced course also requires a commitment to serve as an Army officer upon graduation.
- As part of Air Force ROTC program requirements, cadets must complete an Air Force General Military ROTC course in their junior and sophomore years, a professional officer course in their junior and senior years, and 13-day summer field training days between sophomore and junior years . at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.
- Midshipmen of the ROTC Navy are required to attend several training programs throughout the summer, including the NROTC Indoctrination Program (which is basic militarization and training required for all midshipmen during the summer before their freshman year) and CONTRAMID (the surface, submarine - and aviation is). and Navy). Corporate Guidance Training for Second and Third Grade NAVY ROTC Scholarship Applicants).
ROTC service commitment upon completion.
Each branch of the military that offers an ROTC scholarship has its own specific ROTC service obligations and requirements:
- The Army ROTC Scholarship requires eight years of active service upon graduation - four years of active service and four years in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard.
- The Navy ROTC scholarship requires five years of active service upon graduation, while the Marine Corps and Nurse Corps scholarships require four years of active service.
- The Air Force ROTC Fellowship requires four years of active service for those entering non-flying career tracks, six years for those entering the Combat Systems Officer/Air Combat/Navigator career track, and 10 years for those entering the Pilot career track enter.
ROTC Scholarship Qualifications.
Application requirements for the ROTC Scholarship vary slightly between branches offering the scholarship, but the following eligibility criteria must be met as a minimum in all cases:
- Must be a US citizen
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Must have at least 2.5 GPA (3.0 for Air Force ROTC).
- Must meet minimum SAT and/or ACT requirements
- High school diploma must be available
- Must meet required physical fitness standards
ROTC Scholarship Application Process.
If you are interested in an ROTC scholarship, visit your local military recruiting office or visit the website for the branch of service you are interested in. Visit as early as possible, preferably during your freshman year of high school or early senior year. Scholarships typically go to students specializing in disciplines valued by the military, such as engineering, computer science, certain foreign languages, or nursing.
Army ROTC applications for high school students can be found onlineHerethrough the Army's website, while applications for current college students must be submitted to the college's Department of Military Sciences.air forceeMarineROTC applications for high school students can be found online at each service's website. Students interested in a Marine Corps ROTC scholarship must apply through the Navy ROTC.
For students currently enrolled in college, thearmyeMarineROTC offers two- and three-year scholarships. The Air Force offersCollege Scholarship Program(ICSP), which awards merit-based scholarships in two selection periods in fall and spring.
Scholarship application deadlines differ by military branch. The current deadlines for ROTC grants are as follows:
- Army ROTC – February 4, 2021
- Air Force ROTC – January 14, 2021
- Navy ROTC – December 31, 2020
JROTC for prepaid interest.
High school students interested in ROTC are encouraged to explore Junior ROTC (JROTC) for early military training experience. Through labs, competitions, and a military science-focused curriculum, JROTC aims to instill the mindset and discipline needed to prepare young adults for the relatively rigorous ROTC programs with an emphasis on leadership development.
Be everything you can be.
ROTC Scholarship graduates will enter the military as officers with a variety of levels and responsibilities, including protecting comrades, executing missions critical to national security, and managing millions of dollars of equipment . Success in such a position requires academic aptitude, physical fitness, leadership qualities, management skills, political acumen, courage and patriotism. If you're interested in becoming an officer in the US military, ROTC is more than just a way to pay for college—it's a gateway to a wide range of careers, experiences, and connections.
FAQs
What are two qualifications a person must have to qualify for an ROTC scholarship? ›
ROTC Scholarship Qualifications.
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.
All college scholarships, including ROTC scholarships, can be very competitive. Of the 9,300 high school students who applied in 2021, 2,500 were awarded an Army ROTC scholarship. Of these winners, 25% received the Army's four-year ROTC National Scholarship, while the rest were awarded three-year scholarships.
How likely am I to get an Army ROTC scholarship? ›Chances of Receiving a Scholarship
There are usually about 3000 scholarships awarded each year. 1/3rd of these typically are awarded towards four year scholarships. 2/3rds are usually Advanced Designee scholarships covering full tuition for last three years.
Navy ROTC. This is a more difficult scholarship to obtain than the Army ROTC scholarship but not as hard as the Air Force Scholarship. For the academic year 2021-2022 , more than 5,000 high school senior applications for the scholarship were reviewed.
Can you join ROTC with low GPA? ›A CONTRACTED Army ROTC Cadet must: Be a U.S. citizen. Be between the ages of 17 and 26. Have a high school GPA of at least 2.50 or College cumulative GPA of a 2.0 (minimum)
What GPA do you need to keep ROTC scholarship? ›To qualify for ROTC scholarships, you need a minimum 2.5 high school GPA for ROTC. You must also maintain a 2.5 college GPA.
Is joining ROTC worth it? ›Cadets who complete an ROTC program in college get more than their education paid for; they learn valuable leadership skills and begin a journey of lifelong success. Collegiate ROTC programs are a great pathway to an exciting and rewarding military career.
Does ROTC look good for college? ›Yes, joining JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) during high school can have benefits for your college application. Here are some things you will learn in JROTC that can help build your admissions profile: Public speaking and confidence. Teamwork, leadership, and discipline.
Do colleges look at ROTC? ›Admissions offices are typically interested in students that demonstrate interest and experience in leadership, and JROTC is an excellent opportunity to gain this skill.
What is the average SAT score for ROTC army? ›What are the requirements? You need at least a 3.0 grade point average and an 1100 SAT. The average SAT score for ROTC scholarships is 1260; the average grade point average is 3.77.
Does ROTC look at Asvab? ›
ASVAB is not required or needed for College ROTC programs. ASVAB is for people interested in enlisting. ROTC is a college program offered at more than 1,000 colleges and universities across the United states that prepares young adults to become officers in the U.S. Military.
On what basis are scholarship winners chosen? ›Merit scholarships are typically awarded on the basis of academic, athletic or artistic merit, in addition to special interests. Some merit scholarships also consider financial need, but rewarding talent is the primary objective.
What rank does ROTC give you? ›All who graduate and complete ROTC training are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army.
What is the lowest rank in ROTC? ›Cadet rank structure
New freshmen (MS I) enter the Program at the rank of Cadet Private (C/PVT) and rarely hold leadership positions. Sophomores (MS II) hold the rank of Cadet Corporal (C/CPL), but like the C/PVTs, they hold few leadership positions throughout the year.
1. Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech tops the list of the best ROTC colleges with their outstanding Corps of Cadets program. The program was established in 1872, the same year that the university was founded, and focuses on developing and nurturing leadership skills among its participants.
Can I become an officer with a 2.5 GPA? ›No GPA requirement, just a completion of a minimum B.A. degree. It is 3.0 for non-rated positions, and 2.5 for the rated positions.
What happens if you don't get a ROTC scholarship? ›Students can participate in ROTC without a scholarship and will receive the ROTC stipend benefits during their junior and senior year once contracted.
Do you need SAT scores for ROTC? ›To be eligible for scholarship consideration, the student must achieve an SAT critical reading/math composite of 1100 or an ACT score of 24 and attain a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 3.0.
What is Max age for ROTC? ›Students interested in enrolling in ROTC and qualifying for a scholarship must: Be a U.S. citizen. Be between the ages of 17 and under 31 years of age in the calendar year in which you are to be commissioned. Have a high school GPA of at least 2.50; a college GPA of at least a 2.70.
Do you need a letter of recommendation for ROTC scholarship? ›Navy ROTC Sample Letters of Recommendation and Evaluation: Math and Physics Teachers. One of the requirements for the Navy ROTC Scholarship is an evaluation and written narrative from a Math teacher and one other evaluation from a teacher, counselor, coach or employer.
What does a 3 year Army ROTC scholarship cover? ›
Scholarships cover full tuition and mandatory fees, and range in length up to three years. Scholarship awardees also receive a book allowance and a monthly stipend. These Cadets also receive weekend drill and annual training pay as participants in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP).
What are the negatives of ROTC? ›Drawbacks: More responsibilities in college: While in college, you will have more mandatory commitments than the average student. You must take the classes required for your ROTC program in addition to all the classes required for your major.
What are the drawbacks of ROTC? ›Drawbacks to Joining ROTC
You must sign a legally-binding contract that could last up to 12 years. Under some circumstances, you must make this decision before even beginning the program. If you drop out or are expelled from the program, you will face serious consequences, including potential legal action.
Cadets can drop the AFROTC program the same way they would drop any other college class (until the point of contracting after Field Training).
Does ROTC help you get into Ivy League? ›Note that many schools do not give preference to ROTC scholarship applicants. The Ivy League Schools as well as schools such as Georgetown are examples. The only way you can know if the school will give preference to scholarship recipients is to talk to that ROTC program and ask.
Does ROTC look good on a resume? ›Skills. ROTC also supplies its cadets with a well-defined set of skills that translate excellently onto resumes and job performance.
Do you cut your hair in ROTC? ›Hair should not appear unkempt. The hair length may not extend below the bottom edge of any uniform collar. Long hair may meet this standard by being pinned up using natural hair colored or transparent clips or barrettes. Hair may be “packed”, but will not interfere with the wear of headgear.
How does ROTC affect college life? ›Making the ROTC commitment doesn't interfere with your college and career goals. Instead, it's an additional program that students enroll in for military leadership preparation. You can think of it as a minor that gives you the tools and experience you need to lead other military members.
Do you pick your job after ROTC? ›According to Maj. Eddie Smith, the recruiting officer for TCU Army ROTC, cadets choose between active duty, Army Reserves and the Army National Guard for their profession. However, they are also chosen for their career based on their rank in the “Order of Merit” List.
Does JROTC give you a higher rank? ›Successful completion of a JROTC Program (1–3 years of classes) can lead to advanced rank upon enlistment in the Armed Forces. For example, upon completion of three years of Air Force JROTC, cadets may at their instructor's discretion enlist in the Air Force at the rank of Airman First Class (E-3).
How fast do you have to run a mile for ROTC? ›
| Event | Male Max Score | Female Max Score |
|---|---|---|
| Timed Plank | 3:24 | 3:14 |
| Push-Ups | 75 | 50 |
| 1-Mile Run | 5:20 | 6:00 |
Applicants must meet the following basic eligibility requirements: have a GT score of 110 or higher.
What is a good SAT score for ROTC scholarship? ›SAT composite of 1240 or ACT composite of 26. Super scores are not accepted. Cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher.
What score fails ASVAB? ›You do not pass or fail the ASVAB. As mentioned above, ASVAB test scores are not reported as percent correct but as percentiles. While a 50 might be a “failing grade” on a typical test, that is not the case with the ASVAB, where a score of 50 is considered average.
What is the highest ASVAB score? ›To join the Army as an enlisted member, you usually must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and get a good score. The maximum ASVAB score is 99. For enlistment into the Army, you must get a minimum ASVAB score of 31.
What is a good ASVAB score? ›There are three types of ASVAB scores you'll get: Standard Scores: Given for each subtest; 50 is average and 60 is above average.
What is the #1 way to increase your chances for a scholarship? ›Apply as early as possible
Everyone always waits until the last minute when applying for scholarships but take our advice and apply early. It gives you more time to prepare and get the application just right, you'll be less stressed and this way you won't miss any deadlines.
- Raise Your GPA for More Scholarships. Many scholarships have requirements surrounding GPA levels. ...
- Raise Your ACT / SAT Score. ...
- Raise Your Class Rank. ...
- File the FAFSA. ...
- Participate in Community Service. ...
- Brush Up on Your Essay Skills.
You Deserve This Scholarship Because You Have Passion and Persistence. Letting your passion show through in your answer allows the committee to see your dedication. You deserve this scholarship based on your love of learning, your enjoyment of your field, or your passion for growth.
How long is an ROTC contract? ›A: Upon contracting into the ROTC program (after MIL 301 or any ROTC tuition scholarships), it is an 8-year commitment on Active Duty or Reserve Component (National Guard or Reserves).
Does graduating ROTC make you an officer? ›
Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC? Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.
Do you salute an officer cadet? ›All officers are to be saluted unless they are an OFFICER CADET (OCdt), whether the officer is in uniform or not.
Which branch has the hardest ROTC? ›U.S. Marines
Of course, when you reach the top, you can find them becoming SEALs or a part of the Marine Raider Regiment (MRR), but the training of any Marine is some of the hardest military training in the world.
Air Force ROTC
Probably the most difficult scholarship to win as of July 2022. For the academic year 2021-2022, more than 5,000 high school senior applications for the scholarship were reviewed. About 1000 applicants were awarded a scholarship.
Cadets who complete the four-year program can enlist after high school and enter recruit training at a higher rank (E-3 Private First Class instead of an E-1 Private). While JROTC is not a military-preparation program, it does have some military overtones.
Are ROTC scholarships full ride? ›Scholarship Information
Don't let paying for college get in the way. USC Army ROTC has 2, 3, and 4 year full tuition scholarships available for qualified students. Each scholarship also includes a $1,200/year book allowance and a monthly stipend (allowance) between $300-$500.
A CONTRACTED Army ROTC Cadet must: Be a U.S. citizen. Be between the ages of 17 and 26. Have a high school GPA of at least 2.50 or College cumulative GPA of a 2.0 (minimum)
What GPA do you need to stay in ROTC? ›To qualify for ROTC scholarships, you need a minimum 2.5 high school GPA for ROTC. You must also maintain a 2.5 college GPA.
What are the two 2 courses to be taken in basic ROTC? ›Basic ROTC focuses on equipping its graduates with the five fundamental skills of LEAD, SHOOT, MOVE, NAVIGATE, and COMMUNICATE. These five skills are embedded in lectures and training held under the two Military Science courses to be taken under Basic ROTC: Military Science 1 and Military Science 2.
What are the physical requirements for ROTC? ›The three PFT events are two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups, and a timed 2-mile run. Your results from each event are assigned a score. To pass you must Score 180 points or higher with at least 60 points in each event.
What is a Type 2 Air Force ROTC scholarship? ›
Type 2. This is awarded to all cadets selected through the In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP) and pays up to $18,000 per year in college tuition at any public or private institution with an Air Force ROTC detachment. Scholarship payment is further capped at up to $9,000 per semester or up to $6,000 per quarter.
Does your degree matter in ROTC? ›While any major can lead to a fulfilling military career, certain subjects are especially fitting. Some ROTC branches also require you to complete a degree from an approved list, especially if you receive a scholarship.
Can ROTC cadets marry? ›Cadets at military service academies are not permitted to marry until they graduate as a member of the military or otherwise leave their academy. Otherwise, there are no rules on whom or when military members can marry.
What disqualifies you from ROTC? ›Seizure disorders (other than remote history of childhood febrile seizures), neurodegenerative conditions, recent or severe traumatic brain injuries, recurrent or severe headaches, and severe motion sickness are disqualifying.
How many pushups should I do for ROTC? ›male between 17 and 21 years old should arrive at college able to do 42 push-ups; a female 19 push-ups. A male needs to be able to do 53 sit-ups and a female 53 sit-ups. A good time for the two-mile run for a male would be 15:54 minutes and for a female 18:54 minutes.
Can you be overweight in ROTC? ›Yes, there are some progressive physical fitness requirements and you cannot be overweight and complete the program. ROTC gives you the opportunity to learn what the military is all about these days - the role of the Army and its soldiers, (strategy, politics, technology, standards, career fields, etc.)
What is a Type 7 ROTC scholarship? ›Type 7 Scholarship: This covers tuition equivalent to a public college or university's in-state tuition rate and a book allowance for four years. This scholarship can be converted to a three-year Type 2 scholarship at qualifying colleges and universities beginning in the fall of the student's sophomore year.
What is the average SAT score for AFROTC scholarship? ›SAT composite of 1240 or ACT composite of 26. Super scores are not accepted. Cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher.
What is Type C in ROTC? ›Type C uniform is commonly used during our ROTC training. It symbolized simplicity, humility, and unity. During training days, cadets should be as simple as possible wearing only the essentials. Simplicity is taken literally as a reminder of focusing on the things that truly matter.
Is Army ROTC worth it? ›Collegiate ROTC programs are a great pathway to an exciting and rewarding military career. While there are some significant requirements, if you're sure about a future in the military, it's a great way to prepare for service while earning your degree.
What GPA do you need to be in ROTC in the Air Force? ›
What are the GPA requirements to be an AFROTC cadet? To be in AFROTC, non-scholarship cadets must have and maintain a minimum CGPA of at least 2.0. Scholarship cadets must have a minimum TGPA of at least 2.5.
Do you need Asvab for ROTC? ›ASVAB is not required or needed for College ROTC programs. ASVAB is for people interested in enlisting. ROTC is a college program offered at more than 1,000 colleges and universities across the United states that prepares young adults to become officers in the U.S. Military.