ROTC FAQs

Get the Basics on ROTC

The purpose of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is to prepare young men and women to serve in the military. ROTC offers scholarships in each branch—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Cost Guard—although scholarship requirements are different for each. But all ROTC scholarships allow you to go to school first (rather than serve in the military before receiving tuition aid), and require you to take ROTC coursework for credit. After you finish college, you must complete a period of service in the military.

Who is eligible for a ROTC scholarship?

You can apply for four-year ROTC scholarships while in high school, or two- to three-year scholarships once you've started college. The scholarships are based on merit, not need. To qualify for a ROTC scholarship, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen
Be between the ages of 17-26
Have a high school GPA of at least 2.5
Have a high school diploma
Meet physical standards
Agree to accept a commission and serve in the military on active duty or in a Reserve component after graduating

How much time do I owe the military after I complete ROTC?

Most cadets incur a four-year, active-duty commitment, but the amount of service time you incur can vary. For example, pilots in the Air Force incur a ten-year active-duty service commitment after successfully completing their training. Army ROTC students who receive a ROTC scholarship, or enter the Army ROTC Advanced Course, must serve full-time in the Army four years for four-year scholarship winners, and three years for others. Selected Cadets may choose to serve part-time in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a regular career.

How much money do ROTC scholarships offer?

Scholarship amounts vary, but can go up to $17,000 a year. This money must be used to pay for tuition. You are not allowed to use it for room and board. You also receive money each year for books and a monthly allowance.

Can I reapply for a scholarship if I don't get one at first?

If you don't win a ROTC scholarship while applying in high school, you can still take ROTC classes in college. If you decide you like ROTC, you can reapply for a two- or three-year scholarship.

What if I don't like ROTC?

If you've been awarded an ROTC scholarship, but decide this path is not for you, you can quit the program after your first year without any obligations.

What kinds of courses and training does ROTC offer?

The courses you take depend on which branch you enroll in.

Army ROTC, for example, offers a Basic Course during your first two years in college. The Basic Course includes one elective class or lab each semester that teaches military and leadership skills. If you do not have a scholarship, you can take Army ROTC Basic Course without promising to join the military upon graduation.

Then there is the Advanced Course you can elect to take during your junior and senior years of college. The Advanced Course includes one elective class or lab each semester plus a summer leadership camp. The classes teach you advanced military tactics and give you experience in team organization, planning, and decision-making. To register for the Advanced Course, you must commit to serve as an Officer in the U.S. Army after you graduate.

Where is ROTC offered?

To find schools that have a ROTC program, cClick Majors & Academics and select ROTC under the section "Academic Programs".

Will I need to major in ROTC if I accept a scholarship?

For the most part, ROTC students can choose a major in any course of study. In some cases, though, ROTC offers scholarships in academic majors needed to meet the needs of that branch. For example, Air Force ROTC has a special scholarship for students majoring in electrical engineering or meteorology.

Can women participate in ROTC and apply for scholarships?

ROTC is an equal opportunity program, and encourages participation without regard to gender, race, origin, or religious affiliation.

Where can I find more information about ROTC online?

If you're interested in joining the ROTC be sure to research the possibilities and find out the requirements of programs in which you're interested.