Reserves Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)

ROTC SCHOLARSHIP

The high price of tuition doesn’t have to stand in the way of a great education. The National Guard provides financial assistance to students who wish to attend college and enlist in the National Guard, with three major scholarships for full-time students: the GRFD Scholarship (Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty), the Minuteman Scholarship, and the ARNG Dedicated Scholarship (Army National Guard). The purpose of these scholarships is to train and prepare the National Guard’s future leaders. Individuals who participate in this program and receive the scholarship will have a 8 year military service obligation after completing their college degree.

To receive one of these scholarships, you must be involved in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) with a National Guard unit while attending school, and participate in ROTC (Reserves Officers’ Training Corps) at your college. Both scholarships are non-revocable. You must stay academically aligned throughout the program. After graduation, you commission as an officer with the National Guard, and your 8 year service obligation begins.

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS

  • Scholarships are available for 1-4 years
  • Individual commits to commissioning with the national guard
  • Individual receives full tuition and fees or $10,00 room and board stipend
  • Annual $1,200 book stipend
  • ROTC Cadet Stipend – $420/month for 10 months each year
  • Earn E- 5 Drill Pay during SMP duties (approximately $319/month)
  • Gl Bills available to use alongside scholarship will depend on the individual’s current or prior service
  • Current Guard members can utilize State Tuition Assistance alongside scholarship benefits
  • If eligible for MGIB-SR, individual may also utilize SMP Kicker – $350/month

In order to qualify for an ROTC scholarship, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be accepted to a college/university with an ROTC program
  • Have a 2.5 cumulative GPA and maintain a 2.0 every semester
  • As an incoming freshman, have a minimum 19 ACT or 1000 SAT to qualify
  • Be a full-time student
  • Complete the ROTC Basic Course requirements or Basic Combat Training
  • Be medically and morally qualified
  • 4 year scholarships require a nomination from the TAG or a CASA (ask your recruiter for more information).

ROTC NON-SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarships for ROTC are limited, and there are times when an individual may not apply in time to receive one or may not be a competitive applicant at the time of application. Current National Guard Soldiers can still participate in ROTC and complete their officer training requirements without a scholarship.

These individuals utilize their enlisted education benefits to pay for their education: the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves, State Tuition Assistance, and Federal Tuition Assistance. These individuals will receive the ROTC Cadet Stipend ($20/month for 10 months) alongside their enlisted benefits. Non-scholarship cadets can apply for scholarships every following year of college if they are interested.

SIMULTANEOUS MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

Non-scholarship cadets participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). SMP is a 2 year course, where cadets are paired with and mentored by a current National Guard officer. SMP involves drilling with a National Guard unit one weekend each month, and learning from the assigned mentor. Cadets receive E-5 Drill Pay at these drill weekends.

Non-scholarship cadets can compete for Active Duty commissions as long as they do not accept a scholarship.