Becoming an Officer | chief-gonzales

ROTC Scholarships

Is an ROTC scholarship the right choice for me?

Before deciding to pursue an ROTC scholarship, carefully consider the facts. ROTC scholarships offer many benefits to the small percentage of students across the country that receive them. Most national scholarship awardees recieve either three or four year scholarship offers. These offers cover tuition, or room and board, but not both. Beginning sophomore year, cadets receive stipends of between 350 and 550 dollars to help defer college expenses.

In addition to the financial benefits associated with an ROTC scholarship, there are a number of important intangibles that make this type of scholarship particularly attractive. While participating in a senior ROTC program cadets will continue to receive training and instruction in leadership, physical fitness, military science, and a variety of other subjects they were introduced in the junior ROTC program. While participating in a senior ROTC program cadets will continue to receive a traditional education from the institution of their choice.

The most important questions students considering an ROTC scholarship should ask themselves is, "Do I have a desire to serve my nation in the United States Armed Forces?" If the answer to this question is yes, than an ROTC scholarship may be right for you.

What types of ROTC scholarships are available and how do I apply?

Senior ROTC scholarships are available for every branch of the armed services, including Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. The requirements for each branch change from year-to-year depending on assession requirements and other demands within the service branches. The application process is also different. You should explore them all before making a decision.

US Army ROTC Scholarship

US Navy ROTC Scholarship

US Air Force ROTC Scholarship

US Marine ROTC Scholarship

US Coast Guard

If I accept an ROTC Scholarship will I incur a service obligation?

Yes. Acceptance of an ROTC scholarship offer will result in a military service obligation. Like the other requirements, the service obligations and requirements are different depending on the branch of service. These requirements can and do change from time to time based on the service branches requirements for officer assessions.

What do I need to do to be a highly competitive ROTC scholarship applicant?

Only a small percentage of applicants will recieve an ROTC scholarship. To be competitive, you must be serious about your high school career and diligent in your pursuit of leadership, physical fitness, community service, and academic excellence. A highly competitive student:

SAT Score: 1750 or above.

ACT Score: 21 points or above.

Grades: 3.5 PGA or above and class ranking in the top 25%.

Physical Fitness: 270 points or above on the Army Physical Fitness Test (this is a benchmark - different services have different requirements and you should explore the service requirements in order to adequately prepare).

Leadership: Involved in school and external organizations in a leadership capacity (JROTC, Scouts, Swimming, Tennis, Civic Groups, Youth Organizations, Church, etc.).

Community Service: A record of 100 hours of community service per year throughout your high school career. Students should strive to earn the Presidents Volunsteer Service Award (PVSA).

Letters of Recommendation: A minimum of 5 letters of recommendation is highly recommended. Letters from STEM teachers, JROTC instructors, school administrators, community leaders, and others work well.

Resume: A complete resume that includes all of your high school and professional experiences (this is important, because it provides the applicant an opportunity to showcase a talent, skills, or characteristic that may not be addressed in the standard application process).

Photo: Full length standard department of the Army photo