Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP) for Enlisted Service Members

The Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP) allows active-duty Airmen and Guardians to transition into full-time students and earn a commission as an Air Force officer. ASCP provides scholarships to enlisted personnel pursuing a bachelor’s degree through a college or university with an Air Force ROTC detachment.

ASCP is a pathway for enlisted service members to gain higher education and leadership training while preparing to become commissioned officers in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force. The program is part of the Department of the Air Force's enlisted-to-officer commissioning initiatives.

How the Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP) Works

ASCP releases eligible enlisted Airmen and Guardians from active duty to attend college full-time in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Participants enroll in Air Force ROTC while completing their degree and commission upon graduation.

Key program details:

• Participants receive up to $18,000 per academic year for tuition and fees
• Includes an annual textbook allowance and a monthly stipend
• Applicants must be accepted into an AFROTC-affiliated school offering a qualifying degree.
• Members are placed in an educational delay status and are no longer on active duty during participation.
• Upon successful completion, participants commission as second lieutenants

ASCP applications are reviewed and selected competitively by an Air Force board.

Key Features of ASCP

Benefits of ASCP for Enlisted Airmen and Guardians

• ASCP pays for college tuition and fees while supporting full-time enrollment.
• ASCP offers a direct path from enlisted service to officer commissioning.
• ASCP reduces the cost of higher education through scholarship support.
• ASCP places participants in an educational delay, allowing uninterrupted focus on academics.
• ASCP builds leadership, academic, and military readiness through ROTC training.

Is ASCP Right for You?

The Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP) is ideal for enlisted service members who wish to pursue a college degree and become officers in the United States Air Force or United States Space Force. Consider ASCP if:

• You are academically eligible and motivated to complete a bachelor’s degree
• You plan to serve as a commissioned officer.
• You’re ready to transition from active duty to student status temporarily.
• You meet AFROTC's physical and academic standards.
• You want to access scholarship funding without using GI Bill benefits.

How to Apply for ASCP

1. Review eligibility criteria and program requirements
2. Apply to an accredited college with an AFROTC detachment and an approved major.
3. Submit the ASCP application package, including transcripts, test scores, and command endorsement.
4. Complete medical and fitness assessments required by AFROTC.
5. If selected, separate from active duty and enroll as a full-time student
6. Participate in ROTC training while completing your degree.

Applications are accepted annually and reviewed by an Air Force selection board.

FAQs about the Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP)

Q: Who is eligible to apply for ASCP?
 A: Active-duty enlisted Airmen and Guardians with at least one year of service and a high school diploma or equivalent are eligible to apply.

Q: What does ASCP cover?
 A: ASCP provides up to $18,000 annually for tuition and fees, a book stipend, and a monthly living allowance.

Q: Do ASCP participants stay on active duty?
 A: No. Participants are separated from active duty and placed in an educational delay status while enrolled full-time in a program.

Q: What kind of degree do I need to pursue?
 A: A bachelor's degree at an AFROTC-affiliated institution in a field approved by the Air Force.

Q: What happens after I finish the degree?
 A: Graduates of the ASCP program are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force.