Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC (SOAR) for Enlisted Airmen and Guardians

The Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC (SOAR) program awards active‑duty enlisted Airmen and Guardians full scholarships to complete a bachelor’s degree through the Air Force ROTC program. SOAR supports enlisted service members transitioning to officer roles by providing financial assistance, academic preparation, and leadership training.

SOAR is a Department of the Air Force commissioning initiative that complements programs like ASCP, enabling high-performing enlisted personnel to enter officer training while fully funded.

How the Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC (SOAR) Program Works

The Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC (SOAR) program places selected enlisted Airmen and Guardians on full scholarships at colleges with Air Force ROTC detachments. Each scholarship covers:

• Full tuition and mandatory fees
• Annual textbook allowance
• Monthly stipend
• AFROTC uniforms and leadership training expenses

Participants remain on active duty throughout the program and continue receiving pay and benefits while enrolled full-time in ROTC. Upon graduation, participants commission as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force. A competitive board process makes all SOAR selections.

Key Features of SOAR

Benefits of SOAR for Enlisted Airmen and Guardians

• SOAR removes tuition barriers for enlisted personnel entering ROTC.
• SOAR enables scholarship recipients to complete degrees with no out‑of‑pocket cost.
• SOAR maintains active-duty pay and benefits during full-time study.
• SOAR develops leadership, academic, and military readiness in preparation for commissioning.
• SOAR reduces reliance on the GI Bill or other education benefits for undergraduate credit.

Is SOAR Right for You?

The Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC (SOAR) program targets enlisted personnel preparing for officer commissioning via AFROTC. Consider SOAR if you:

• Demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership potential
• Plan to earn a bachelor’s degree through an AFROTC-associated school.
• Want to remain on active-duty payroll while studying full-time.
• Are eligible for commissioning via Air Force or Space Force channels
• Prefer not to incur student debt or use GI Bill benefits during undergraduate study.

Example of how it works:

A Staff Sergeant with a 3.8 GPA and command endorsement receives a SOAR scholarship. They enroll at a university with AFROTC, complete their degree and ROTC requirements, and commission without out-of-pocket college expenses.

How to Apply for SOAR

1. Verify eligibility through your local education office or ROTC detachment.
2. Prepare transcripts, test scores, command endorsements, and a resume.
3. Submit the SOAR application package to the AFROTC catalog board.
4. Complete AFROTC fitness and medical screenings as required
5. If selected, begin coursework and ROTC training at a participating institution.
6. Maintain enrollment and academic standing until you are commissioned.

SOAR applications are processed annually through AFROTC and managed by individual detachments.

FAQs about SOAR

Q: Who is eligible for SOAR?
 A: SOAR is open to enlisted Airmen and Guardians with strong academic records, command recommendation, and AFROTC eligibility.

Q: What does SOAR cover?
 A: SOAR provides full tuition, fees, textbook allowance, monthly stipend, and ROTC-related funding.

Q: Do I stay on active duty during SOAR?
 A: Yes. SOAR recipients remain on active duty and continue receiving pay and benefits.

Q: Can I use SOAR with GI Bill benefits?
 A: No. SOAR provides full tuition funding. You cannot use the GI Bill for the same coursework.

Q: When will I commission under SOAR?
 A: Commissioning occurs upon successful completion of an AFROTC degree program at the scholarship institution.