Paying for college through the ROTC

Posted By David Lucas

The military has fostered higher education for service men and women since the original GI Bill of Rights was signed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1944. Today students can save money for college by participating in the Reserve Officer Training Corp or ROTC. ROTC programs function in each branch of the military: Army ROTC, Navy ROTC, Air Force, and Marines.The

ROTC program provides educational monies for college and graduate studies with special consideration for students pursuing careers in high demand. Students that are interested in the military option for college funding can speak with a guidance counselor or the ROTC office on their college campus for more information.

To participate in the ROTC scholarship program, students must meet eligibility requirements. Students are asked to pass physical and written exams and other tests as set down by each branch of the military. Enrollment in a school that participates in the ROTC program and satisfactory scores on college entrance exams is also a part of the requirements. The program is quite competitive so candidates need to be at the top of their game.

Students that participate in the ROTC program can receive two-, three-, or four-year scholarships. Scholarships pay for ROTC supplies and fees along with a portion of college tuition. There are also full tuition scholarships for qualified applicants. Freshman students can try the ROTC for a year without making a commitment to the armed services. Decisions about military service come during junior and senior year.

In addition to the ROTC scholarship, cadets also receive a stipend worth up to $5,000 a year for the duration of their college career. In exchange for the scholarships, students make a commitment to serve in the military for eight years after college as an officer or they can serve in the reserve corps while pursuing a civilian career. When students do not complete the ROTC program, the money that they have been given through college scholarship has to be paid back. Otherwise, the financial aid is not required to be paid back if the students keep to their commitment.

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