Army ROTC Scholarships for College Students

The Army ROTC scholarship helps students cover college tuition, fees, and living expenses while preparing to serve as officers in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. Whether you're a high school senior or already in college, this program offers a path to leadership, service, and a debt-free education.

How Does the Army ROTC Scholarship Work?

The Army ROTC scholarship funds your college education in exchange for a commitment to serve as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. Specifically, you:

1. Apply for the scholarship
   You can apply as a high school senior, current college student, or enlisted soldier. The application includes transcripts, test scores, a fitness assessment, and an interview.
2. Get accepted to a participating college
   You must enroll at a college or university that hosts or partners with an Army ROTC program.
3. Enroll in Army ROTC
   You'll take military science classes, leadership labs, and field training while pursuing your regular degree.
4. Receive scholarship benefits
   If awarded, the scholarship covers full tuition and fees (or room and board), provides up to $1,200 per year for textbooks, and pays a $420 monthly living stipend during the school year.
5. Train to become an Army officer
   Throughout your time in ROTC, you'll build leadership skills and complete required training, including summer programs and the Cadet Summer Training (CST) between junior and senior year.
6. Commission upon graduation
   After earning your degree, you'll commission as a Second Lieutenant and begin your service commitment—typically 4 years active duty or 8 years in the Reserves/National Guard.

Key Features of Army ROTC Scholarships

Who is Eligible for an Army ROTC Scholarship?

You may be eligible for the Army ROTC scholarship if you:

• Are a U.S. citizen
• Are at least 17 years old and will be under 31 at the time of commissioning
• Have a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 (higher scores improve competitiveness)
• Meet physical fitness standards (Army Combat Fitness Test or equivalent)
• Agree to serve in the Army after graduation

Note: Scholarships are available for high school seniors (4-year scholarships), current college students (2- and 3-year scholarships), and enlisted soldiers through the Green to Gold program.

How to Apply for an Army ROTC Scholarship

1. Start the national application: GoArmy ROTC application portal
2. Choose up to five schools with Army ROTC programs
3. Submit transcripts, test scores, personal statement, and fitness results
4. Complete an interview with an Army ROTC officer

Timeline tip: High school applicants should aim to apply by mid-January of senior year. College and enlisted applicants should contact their campus ROTC recruiter directly.

FAQs about Army ROTC Scholarships

Can I use the scholarship at any college?
No. You must attend a college or university that hosts an Army ROTC battalion or has a partnership through a cross-enrollment agreement. You can search for participating schools on goarmy.com.

When should I apply for an Army ROTC scholarship?

• High school seniors should apply between June and January of their senior year.
• College students can apply for campus-based scholarships through their school's Army ROTC office.
• Enlisted soldiers can apply through the Green to Gold program.

What happens after I graduate?
You'll be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Depending on your scholarship type and service track, you'll serve on active duty or in the Army Reserve or National Guard.

Does the Army ROTC scholarship cover full tuition?
Yes, it can cover full tuition and mandatory fees. Some schools also allow you to apply the scholarship to room and board instead of tuition.

What other benefits come with the scholarship?
In addition to tuition, recipients receive:

• A $420 monthly stipend during the school year
• Up to $1,200 annually for textbooks
• Paid training and leadership development experiences

Do I have to serve in the Army if I accept the scholarship?
Yes. Accepting an Army ROTC scholarship means you agree to serve as an officer after graduation. Most recipients serve a minimum of 4 years of active duty or 8 years in the Reserve components.