What is ROTC in College Like?

Summary:

• What is ROTC in College Like?
• Should You Take ROTC in College?
• Getting an ROTC Scholarship
• ROTC in College vs. Senior Military Colleges
• Five Military Service Academies
• Senior Military Colleges vs. Five Military Service Academies
• Why Would Someone Attend a Senior Military College but Not Commission?
• Learn More About What ROTC in College is Like Today!

More than 8,500 officers are commissioned into the military through the ROTC program each year. It is the largest single source of commissioned officers in the U.S. Taking ROTC in college opens up many opportunities for you — even if you decide not to be commissioned into the military.

Taking ROTC in college is a great alternative to enlisting in the military out of high school. This is because you can earn your degree first, which leads to higher-paying positions in your future career. You also can enter the military as an officer, which is a higher rank than if you enlisted. 

Have you considered going into the military after college or getting an ROTC scholarship to cover your education? Then you might be wondering, “What is ROTC in college like?”

There are many different paths and options to take. Whether you want to serve in the military or are considering it and want to try it out first. Luckily, we’re sharing everything you need to know to get started including what is ROTC in college and what is the right fit for you. 

Keep reading to learn more!

Should You Take ROTC in College?

The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program prepares full-time college students to serve in the military. You’ll learn valuable leadership and professional skills. As a college student, you attend ROTC classes along with your regular academic courses that you will take toward your major.

Military officers teach the ROTC classes in one of the military branches. Including the Army, Air Force, Space Force, Naval and Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. Not all colleges offer all military branches as ROTC classes. Be sure the college you choose has the branch that you want.

When you complete the ROTC program, you graduate with the rank of officer in the same branch of the military. You also gain valuable professional skills that pertain to all areas of your career in the military or private sectors.

Not all students who take ROTC classes have an ROTC scholarship and are contracted to serve in the military. ROTC scholarships can cover all or part of your tuition, fees, and books toward earning your college degree. Some also offer a monthly stipend during your four years of higher education. Each military branch offers different scholarships, and some are more competitive than others.

Getting an ROTC Scholarship

If you are interested in earning an ROTC scholarship, you should apply for one on the official military branch’s website. This is on top of applying to the colleges you want to attend. Being accepted into a college that offers ROTC programs doesn’t mean you have an ROTC scholarship. 

If you earn and accept an ROTC scholarship from a military branch, you are contractually obligated to serve in the military after college. This is for a specific timeframe that varies depending on the contract.

Is an ROTC scholarship a high priority for you? Then we recommend applying to all four military branches. This increases your chances of receiving a scholarship. Even if you don’t receive one from your first-choice branch.

ROTC in College vs. Senior Military Colleges

Over 1,700 colleges and universities offer ROTC programs, but not all of them give you a 24/7 military lifestyle. If you take ROTC classes at a typical college, you will wear a military uniform during your ROTC classes. The rest of the day you are a civilian college student and attend other classes as usual.

Another option is to attend a military college. There are six senior military colleges: 

• Norwich University (Northfield, Vermont) 
• Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas)
• The Citadel (Charleston, South Carolina) 
• University of North Georgia (Dahlonega, Georgia)
• Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, Virginia)
• Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, Virginia). 

Commission into the U.S. Coast Guard by attending one of the six Senior Military Colleges. Or attend Mary Baldwin University or Prairie View A&M University.

When you attend a senior military college, you join a Corps of Cadets. This is a military lifestyle that allows you to train as though you’re in the military as a college student. You not only attend ROTC classes. Outside of class you’ll learn to march, gain rigorous physical training, wear a uniform, and live in a structured environment. Your daily routine reflects the real military rules and disciplinary expectations. 

Five Military Service Academies

When you attend one of the five U.S. Military Academies, you are training to become a military officer while also earning your degree at no cost. This also requires you to serve in the military after graduation. Typically, your military service obligation (MSO) after graduation is eight years total with a minimum of five years on active duty.

Getting into a military academy requires an extensive admissions process. It is also very competitive to get into. This isn’t the only way to become a military officer or to receive military scholarships for school. Yet, it is one option that is a direct path to a military career.

There are five official U.S. Military Academies: 

• U.S. Military Academy (Army), West Point, New York 
• U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland
• U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado 
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York 
• U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut

The acceptance rate for the United States Military Academy at West Point is about 12%. Each of the academies admits between 1,100 and 1,350 students per year. As you can tell, it’s difficult to get into one of these academies.

Luckily there are other options when choosing ROTC in college. It can look different depending on the path you choose.

Senior Military Colleges vs. Five Military Service Academies

One of the main differences between a senior military college versus a military service academy is that you can choose to not be commissioned into the military at a senior military college. You are contractually obligated to serve in the military after graduating from a military service academy.

If you’re interested in trying out a military lifestyle without committing to becoming an officer, then a senior military college is a great option for you. The Corps of Cadets at one of the six senior military colleges allows you to train as though you’re in the military. While also attending classes and earning a college degree.

You’ll wear a uniform, train physically, learn how to march and stand in formation and have the opportunity to take on leadership positions in a military structure. While some of your fellow cadets might be on track to commissioning after graduation, it’s not required. 

Why Would Someone Attend a Senior Military College but Not Commision?

You might be wondering why someone would go through a military lifestyle throughout college but choose not to be commissioned into the military. There are many reasons! Let’s start with the benefits of being in a Corps of Cadets.

1. Structure and Discipline: While training at a military college, you’ll get the structure and discipline that comes with being in the military. You’ll have an army of students and staff supporting you and motivating you to achieve more.

   Many freshmen in college struggle in their first year to stay on task and keep their grades up. In addition to staying physically fit and active, you'll have mentors who make sure you complete your homework and study so you do well academically.

2. Strong Bonds and Friendships: It can be difficult going to a new place, starting from scratch, and making friends. Being in a Corps of Cadets helps you to make instant friends. Because you’re going through intense training and overcoming challenges together. Many graduates form lifetime connections from the strong bonds built at a military college.
4. Leadership Skills: You can study leadership in a classroom or learn about it from a book, but nothing beats learning through experience and real-world interactions. Living a Corps of Cadets lifestyle allows you to take on leadership positions in a military-style setting.

You’ll learn first-hand what it’s like to work with individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives. Instead of learning through hypotheticals, you must take responsibility for your actions and make decisions that impact others in real-time. These skills apply to all aspects of your life and help you to be a better person and leader no matter where your future takes you.

Learn More About What ROTC in College is Like Today!

Still wondering, “What is ROTC in College like?” One of the best ways to learn more and see if ROTC in college is right for you is by visiting the campus. You can talk to students living the Corps of Cadets lifestyle right now and find out what life is really like. Plus, each Corps of Cadets program differs depending on what the college offers.

Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the nation. We are the birthplace of ROTC and our Corps of Cadets has over 200 years of experience. 

See if Norwich University’s Corps of Cadets is the right fit for you. Get started by scheduling your visit to one of our Open Houses or special leadership events.