Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships
Get the Basics
If you’re interested in a military career, consider applying for a ROTC scholarship. ROTC’s purpose is to prepare young men and women to serve in the military. Millions of dollars are available.
The Agreement
The military pays for all or part of your education and, in return, you serve as an officer for several years after you graduate. How long you serve depends in part on which branch of the military you belong to. Keep in mind that your choice of major may be restricted to choices that suit the needs of the military.
The ROTC Program
In addition to the courses you take toward your college degree, you participate in ROTC classwork, field work and summer programs. Through these activities, you learn combat techniques and military tactics, as well as leadership training. You also take specialized courses in national security and military affairs.
Eligibility
Several branches of the military — the Army, Air Force and Navy (including the Marine Corps and Nurse Corps) — offer ROTC scholarships. You can apply while in high school or once you've started college. Each branch has different requirements, but all base their decision on merit, measured in part by your grade point average (GPA). Other factors include citizenship, age and physical condition.
Covered Costs
Scholarship amounts vary. The money is usually earmarked for tuition, books and fees. You may also receive a monthly allowance and travel expenses. Determine how much of your tuition the scholarship covers, because you are responsible for the difference. Few programs cover room and board.
Participating Colleges
To find one of the 1,300 schools that have a ROTC program, use College MatchMaker. Click on “Housing & Programs” and under the Academic Programs section, select “ROTC.”
Learn More About ROTC
Visit these websites to research ROTC scholarships and learn about the requirements of each branch:
- Overview of ROTC on Today’s Military
- Army ROTC
- U.S. Air Force ROTC
- Navy ROTC, including the Marine Corps and Nurse Corps
