DISCIPLINE, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY

Norwich University is proud to be the birthplace of America’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and the only private Senior Military College. We celebrate over two centuries of commissioned officer development.

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps, commonly known as ROTC, is a college program that aims to develop leadership skills and tactical prowess among students who aspire to serve in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or Space Force. Norwich University is the first of six Senior Military Colleges in the United States that offers this program.

At Norwich, ROTC is an integral part of the College of National Services and Corps of Cadets, forming a joint, elite leadership course that must be included in your college curriculum and experience. Through classes, leadership labs, and field training exercises, the ROTC program will provide you with the tactical tools and experiential learning needed to become a premier officer in our Nation's militaries.
 

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Air Force and Space Force (AFROTC)

Norwich University AFROTC forges premier leaders of character and action to lead and serve in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. Our team prioritizes performance, respect, trust, and innovation.

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Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AROTC)

Norwich University Army ROTC trains, mentors and develops cadets as agile and adaptive leaders of character to commission into the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and U.S. Army National Guard.

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Naval and Marine Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

By pursuing Naval ROTC, either the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps track, you’ll prepare explore oceans, push your limits and achieve things that you never thought possible, whether ships, submarines or planes.

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U.S. Coast Guard

In the United States Coast Guard, you’ll find five main missions: Maritime Security, Maritime Mobility, Maritime Safety, Protection of Natural Resources and National Defense. Within each mission, the Coast Guard offers officer commissions in a host of fields including engineering, law, intelligence and more.

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Vermont National Guard

The Vermont National Guard is comprised of Army and Air National Guard units. Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) participants maintain their status as National Guard members while also enrolling in ROTC.


 

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The Possibilities Are Endless

While enhancing your overall college experience, ROTC provides structure, values, and leadership skills critical to career success, as well as money for tuition and a stipend. In exchange for a paid college education and a guaranteed post-college career, cadets or midshipmen commit to serving in the military after graduation. As a graduate of a Senior Military College, a medically qualified cadet completing all ROTC requirements is assured of obtaining a commission. When you leave "The Hill" you will join a family of serving alumni making extraordinary contributions to the military and government, prepared and ready for any challenge your future may hold.

Start Strong

Before you arrive at Norwich, check out each service branch's ROTC website, look at our Instagram channels, check out our specialty clubs, and immerse yourself in the action. Then, interact with us. Email, call, or visit our ROTC Branch POCs and our ROTC leaders on campus. We welcome your questions.

As you begin your first-year path as a Norwich cadet, or "rook", you will have face-to-face opportunities to align with a branch of service, you can join an elite club, and you can adjust your service goals as your understanding and professional aims develop in tandem. The ROTC cadre works closely together to ensure Norwich cadets meet their professional goals. We promise that you will finish stronger than you began.

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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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. 

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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

Did you know:

All Branches

As a Senior Military College, Norwich cadets, upon meeting certain conditions, can transfer between the Army, Navy, US Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force during their first year. We are proud of our unique joint experiential and tactical learning environment.

Award Winning ROTC

We're proud of our nationally recognized Army ROTC program.

Take Flight

From our "You Can Fly" program to our Civil Air Patrol partnership, to the newly-landed flight simulator grant, your opportunities to take to the skies are here at Norwich University.

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