adminThe ROTC scholarship is an incredible opportunity for students who are passionate about serving the United States and pursuing a higher education. The scholarship scheme not only aids beneficiaries to fund their degrees but also provides leadership training and a clear pathway into a military career. Over the years, ROTC scholarships have helped thousands of students graduate debt-free while gaining the skills necessary to become commissioned officers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps.
WHAT IS ROTC?
The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarship is a program that assists students through college in exchange for military service after graduation. The program traces its roots to 1819 and offers students a chance to study and serve after they complete their degree, or to participate for a short time in the program without a post-college commitment.
Students interested in ROTC participation without the military service commitment can join the program for a limited time, typically three semesters.
ROTC programs are available across different branches of the U.S. military:
- Army ROTC
- Navy ROTC
- Air Force ROTC
- Marine Corps ROTC (through Navy ROTC)
The scholarship provides full tuition and mandatory fees at all the participating schools. In addition, the student is provided a book allowance yearly.
TYPES OF ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS
There are various ROTC Scholarships depending on the branch and the length of service commitment:
ROTC National Four-Year Scholarship
This is an Army ROTC which covers all four years of college education. The scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who plan to enroll in ROTC at the start of their college careers. To be eligible, applicants must be committed to provide eight years of service in the Army or Army Reserve.
ROTC Three Year Scholarship
This program is applicants enrolled in a five-year ARMY program with three years remaining or a two-year program with plans to transfer to a four-year university. It covers 100% of the college expenses and there will be a commitment to serve in the Army upon conclusion of your education.
ROTC Two Year Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to candidates enrolled in a two-year community college program or with two years remaining of a four-year degree.
Green to Gold Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to cadets looking to leave active duty to earn a degree.
Dedicated Army National Guard and Army Reserve Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to those students who wish to serve in the National Guard or Army Reserve upon commissioning. It covers full tuition and mandatory fees in addition to a monthly stipend and book allowance.
Guaranteed Reserve Force Duty Scholarship
The GRFD program is designed for those interested in obtaining a commission in the U.S. Army Reserves or National Guard with a guarantee for a reserve component assignment.
There are other ROTC Scholarship types which we have not listed on this page some of which include: Army Women Foundation Scholarship, NROTC Scholarship, NROTC Four Year Scholarship, NROTC Two-and-Three Year Scholarship, and NROTC Scholarship Marine Option.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR ROTC SCHOLARSHIP
Applicants are expected to meet certain criterias before they can be awarded the ROTC Scholarship. These criteria can vary slightly depending on the branch of service, but the general requirements include:
Be a U.S. citizen: This program is only accessible by citizens of the United States of America.
Maintain a high school or college minimum GPA of 2.5 or 2.7, respectively: Most ROTC programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher, though a competitive applicant will generally have a GPA of 3.0 or above. Standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT are also important
Meet the age requirements: Schools require that candidates should be within a certain age range before they can become eligible to apply.
Meet military-issued physical fitness test standards: Meeting the physical fitness criteria for the branch you intend on joining is mandatory.
Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
Accept a military service assignment to begin after graduation: Each applicant must be committed to serve as commissioned officers upon graduation. It entails a minimum service obligation ranging from four to eight years, depending on the branch and specific scholarship program.
BENEFITS OF THE ROTC PROGRAM
There are numerous benefits attached to the ROTC program, one of which is the financial support provided to applicants. Below are some of the benefits:
Book Allowance
Every ROTC Scholarship provides book allowances for the awardees. This helps offset the cost of textbooks and other academic materials.
Guaranteed Employment
Candidates are employed upon graduation which saves them the stress of job hunting. ROTC scholarship recipients are commissioned as officers in their respective branches.
Full Tuition Coverage
Most ROTC Scholarships are 100% tuition free which reduces the financial burden on students and families.
ROTC APPLICATION PROCEDURES
ROTC is known to receive a huge number of applications on a yearly basis so candidates are expected to follow the appropriate application guidelines when applying. Follow the steps below to apply successfully for the program:
l Carry out a proper research on the various ROTC Scholarship programs
l Select the branch you will like to work with
l Complete the Online Application
l Conduct a physical fitness test
l Take part in the medical test and Interview
l Wait for your application to be processed
CONCLUSION
The ROTC scholarship is an incredible opportunity for students who are passionate about serving the United States of America and pursuing higher education. Not only does it provide financial support for the awardee, it also offers a clear path to becoming a military officer, complete with valuable leadership training and career development opportunities which can be utilized anywhere you find yourself.
admin
