All About ROTC: How to Know if It's Right for You

Joining an ROTC program is a serious commitment but comes with many benefits to your college life and future career. Read on to learn if it's the right choice for you!

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a college-level program that trains students to become commissioned officers in the various branches of the United States Armed Forces. Joining this prestigious organization can be a fulfilling opportunity for undergraduates who are interested in getting a head start in a military career. If you’re curious about enrolling at one of the 1,700 colleges and universities in the US that offer an ROTC program, here’s what you need to know.

The basics of ROTC

ROTC programs are designed to train future US military officers at universities across the nation. The program provides students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree while simultaneously preparing for life in the US Armed Forces. Most choose to join because they seek a career in the military, while others are more interested in how it can help them with their higher education expenses.

Regardless of motive, students who enroll in the prestigious program enjoy a complete college experience alongside their ROTC training. They attend academic classes, partake in clubs and extracurricular activities, and live in dorms. The only difference is that participants have an ROTC commitment, which includes physical training, classroom time, and leadership labs. Upon graduation, cadets receive a commission and choose to enter into active-duty service or Reserve or National Guard duty.

Related: ROTC x3: Schools With Army, Navy, and Air Force ROTC

It’s critical to understand that once you enter an ROTC program, which often includes accepting a scholarship, you are legally required to serve in the military for a specific number of years after graduation. So before joining, consider these benefits and drawbacks associated with an ROTC program.

Pros

  • Academic funding: You could receive financial aid incentives and scholarships that cover tuition, fees, books, and other student necessities. (Scholarships are awarded based on grades and merit.)
  • Professional development: Students benefit from long-term career guidance, service experience, and continued professional education.
  • Prestige: It’s considered an honor to participate in an ROTC program.
  • Rank: After graduation, you’ll enter the military at the officer level instead of having to work your way up through the ranks.
  • Specialized military training: Training includes leadership development and basic military and adventure training, which take place both in the classroom and in the field. Your service experience and management skills will be highly marketable to civilian employers after your service is complete.
  • Fitness maintenance: Participating in the program helps you stay active and healthy.

Cons

  • Long-term commitment: Joining an ROTC program is a serious commitment that can range from three to 12 years, and it requires signing a legally binding contract.
  • Consequences of dropping out: If you drop out or get expelled, you may be forced to serve as an enlisted soldier on active duty, face potential legal action, or be required to pay back any scholarship money you received.
  • More responsibilities: If you choose to enter the program, you’ll have more academic commitments than the average college student. You’ll be required to take classes for your ROTC training in addition to the courses needed for your major.

Is ROTC right for you?

Participation can be demanding, so it’s imperative to consider how an ROTC program and active military service would fit into your future goals before signing your contract. There are many academic, physical, and medical requirements you’ll also need to meet in order to enroll. Students interested in joining a branch of the ROTC should be:

  • Dedicated to the program and our country
  • Prepared to pass a physical fitness exam
  • Disciplined in reaching their goals
  • Driven to succeed despite any obstacles they may face
  • Committed to keeping their scholarship throughout their college career

Related: United States Service Academies: Is One in Your Future?

If you think a future in the military is right for you, an ROTC program can be a great opportunity to gain fundamental leadership skills and get a jump-start on a rewarding and honorable career.

Planning to join an ROTC program? Use our Scholarship Search tool to find money exclusively for ROTC students.

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Join Now

Tags:

About Jeremy Silverstein

Jeremy Silverstein is Vice President of Operations and Vehicle Dispatching at Veteran Car Donations. Since he’s been with the organization, he’s become quite an expert in the industry and has handled tens of thousands of donated vehicles.

 

Join our community of
over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Join CollegeXpress
Fabiola Rodriguez

Fabiola Rodriguez

High School Class of 2022

CollegeXpress helped me on my journey to get to the school of my first choice by showing me all the options I have. I didn’t know of the College of Southern Nevada until I went on this website, and it helped me look for other choices and compare what colleges would be right for me.

Josiah Kegg

Josiah Kegg

High School Class of 2021

I want to sincerely thank you all for this amazing website that's legitimately helped me find so many different scholarship opportunities. I've been stressing out for the longest time about paying for college since I would rather stay out of debt and have been working days trying to find any scholarship opportunity. When I found CollegeXpress, I discovered many easy scholarships that have given me hope for the future. Thank you and God bless!

Kelly Nogueiro

Kelly Nogueiro

Counselor

For me, CollegeXpress has given me a valuable tool to use with my students to explore colleges easily beyond objective data. It helps me find colleges for students that fit their needs and wants that aren’t quite so black and white. It's a wealth of knowledge, and the Type-A side of me loves all the lists and the fact that I know they're coming from folks who know what they're talking about. I share it with colleagues and students alike, and it's always well received.

Dani York

Dani York

High School Class of 2022

CollegeXpress helped in my journey by comparing multiple colleges for my final decision. While looking at different colleges, I was able to compare the tuition expenses and that landed me with the college that I’m currently enrolled in, Western Kentucky University. Thank you!

Rhiannon Teeter

Rhiannon Teeter

$2,000 Community Service Scholarship Winner, 2012

I have spent a lot of time aggressively searching for scholarships. It was a long and frustrating process until I found the CollegeXpress network. This site made my search so much easier. With the simple check of a few boxes, the site sorted out scholarships I was eligible for and led me directly to the correct websites. Winning this scholarship has definitely given me and my family some financial relief, and CollegeXpress has allowed me to improve my chances of winning further financial aid. Thank you so much!

College Matches
X

Colleges You May Be Interested In

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY

Waynesburg University

Waynesburg, PA

John Carroll University

University Heights, OH