ROTC Scholarships

Earn a full-tuition scholarship while preparing to commission as an officer in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force. Norwich University is the birthplace of ROTC and one of only six Senior Military Colleges in the nation.

Student in science lab and wearing military uniform while she works on a technical project.

For more than 100 years, Norwich University has helped students earn Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships that make college more affordable while building future military leaders. Whether you’re just beginning the application process or are already deep into requirements, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

What ROTC Scholarships Can Cover

ROTC scholarships can cover full tuition and fees, provide a monthly stipend, and include additional allowances for books and uniforms. Scholarship availability and selection criteria vary by branch, but all are competitive, merit-based, and tied to academic, physical fitness, and leadership performance.

Scholarships are competitive and merit-based, with selection criteria that typically include:

Academic strength (GPA, test scores, course rigor)
Physical fitness performance
Leadership experience and officer potential
Extracurricular involvement and service

If you're unsure how to begin — or if you want to strengthen your application — join us for a live ROTC Scholarship Webinar.

Learn from our counselors about:

Insider tips to stay on track with ROTC deadlines and requirements
The major differences between the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps ROTC pathways
What reviewers look for in high-ranked scholarship applications
How Norwich prepares cadets for success from application to commissioning

Register for an upcoming live ROTC Scholarship Webinar

Norwich University ROTC Scholarships

Norwich University awards two ROTC scholarships to a select group of students. Each of these scholarships is in lieu of commissioning into a specific branch and can only be received by attending Norwich University. Learn more about each award:

ROTC Scholarship Roadmap

Success comes from preparation. Get started now for less stress in your senior year.

If you receive an ROTC Scholarship during enrollment periods where ROTC funding covers full tuition and fees, Norwich University provides additional aid to cover on-campus room and board charges through our General I.D. White Scholarship. For students entering with a three-year Army ROTC Scholarship, the Captain Alden Partridge Scholarship will cover the remaining cost of housing and food for your full four years at Norwich. Uniforms, books, and medical insurance are additional costs.

Junior & Senior High School Years

Junior Spring

March-May

Research ROTC Programs: Explore the different branches (Army, Air Force, Space Force, Navy, Marine Corps) and decide which ROTC program aligns with your goals.
Meet Academic and Fitness Standards: Ensure you meet GPA requirements and begin or continue a fitness routine to meet physical standards.
Speak with an ROTC Recruiter: Reach out to the Recruiting Operations Officer (ROO) at your prospective school(s) for further details on requirements.
Start Preparing for SAT/ACT: Many ROTC scholarships consider test scores, so plan to take these tests by the summer or early fall of senior year.

Junior Summer

June-August

Take SAT/ACT: Aim to complete at least one test by the end of summer.
Begin ROTC Application Process: Some applications open as early as July, so create an account and start gathering necessary information.
Gather Documentation: Collect academic transcripts, test scores, and any other documents required for the application.
Participate in Leadership & Physical Activities: Consider volunteering, taking on leadership roles, and staying active to strengthen your application.
Schedule Your PT Test: Your physical training test should be completed before you submit your application in the fall.

Senior Fall

Sept.-Oct.

Submit ROTC Application: Aim to submit your completed application early in the fall to meet priority deadlines. We recommend applying to all branches to increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.
Prepare for Interviews: Many ROTC scholarships require an interview; practice interview questions and schedule your interview as soon as possible.
Continue Physical Training: ROTC programs have physical fitness standards, so keep up with regular training to prepare for assessments.

Senior Winter

Nov.-Jan.

Complete Any Additional Requirements: Follow up on all parts of the application, including medical exams if required.
Stay in Contact With Your ROTC Coordinator: They can provide updates on your application status and any additional steps.

Senior Spring

March-April

Await Scholarship Decisions: ROTC scholarship decisions are often announced in the spring.
Prepare for Next Steps: If awarded, work with the ROTC program on your transition to college and any pre-college training programs.

ROTC Scholarship Applications

How to Apply

Steps for applying to and applications:
Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AROTC) Scholarships
> AROTC National Scholarship Application
Air Force and Space Force (AFROTC) Scholarships
> AFROTC Scholarship Application
Naval and Marine Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) Scholarships
> NROTC Scholarship Application

Watch our ROTC Scholarship Webinar Series

The ROTC Scholarship webinar series was held and hosted by the office of Admissions at Norwich University. Learn more about how to apply for a scholarship, what ROTC is like at Norwich, and tips on the admissions process.