Money for College Through Army and Navy ROTC Scholarships

Saving for college is not an easy thing to do.commitment to serve in the military for eight
Parents can put aside money in savings plans andyears after college as an officer or they can
bank accounts to help their children. The militaryserve in the reserve corps while pursuing a civilian
option is a way that students can themselvescareer. When students do not complete the
save money for college.ROTC program, the money that they have been
The military has fostered higher education forgiven through college scholarship has to be paid
service men and women since the original GI Billback. Otherwise, the financial aid is not required to
of Rights was signed by Franklin Delano Rooseveltbe paid back if the students keep to their
in 1944. Today students can save money forcommitment.
college by participating in the Reserve OfficerSome branches, like the Army ROTC have special
Training Corp or ROTC. ROTC programs functionscholarships for certain careers. Students pursuing
in each branch of the military: Army ROTC, Navycareers in nursing, engineering, and physical
ROTC, Air Force, and Marines.The ROTC programsciences may qualify for extra benefits due to
provides educational monies for college andthe need for their careers in the military and the
graduate studies with special consideration forworld at large. This could be an excellent
students pursuing careers in high demand.opportunity for career advancement as well as
Students that are interested in the military optionsignificant financial aid for the right student.
for college funding can speak with a guidanceApplications for ROTC scholarships are usually due
counselor or the ROTC office on their collegesometime in November of the applicant's senior
campus for more information.year of high school if they are applying for a
To participate in the ROTC scholarship program,four-year scholarship. To be sure, contact the
students must meet eligibility requirements.ROTC office at the school your student will be
Students are asked to pass physical and writtenattending. Students that apply for other
exams and other tests as set down by eachscholarships have until March of their freshman or
branch of the military. Enrollment in a school thatsophomore year to get their applications turned in.
participates in the ROTC program andIt is a good idea for those using the ROTC option
satisfactory scores on college entrance exams isfor college funding to fill out the student financial
also a part of the requirements. The program isaid form (FAFSA) also. Scholarships may not
quite competitive so candidates need to be at thecover all financial costs of attending college.
top of their game.Students that change their minds about pursuing a
Students that participate in the ROTC programmilitary career will still need financial aid options for
can receive two-, three-, or four-yearschool.
scholarships. Scholarships pay for ROTC suppliesStudents that pursue the military option with the
and fees along with a portion of college tuition.ROTC program take ROTC courses in addition to
There are also full tuition scholarships for qualifiedthe classes within their major. ROTC will teach
applicants. Freshman students can try the ROTCstudents leadership skills and teamwork. These
for a year without making a commitment to thestudents still participate in normal college
armed services. Decisions about military serviceextracurricular activities but they make time for
come during junior and senior year.ROTC activities as well.
In addition to the ROTC scholarship, cadets alsoThe military is not for everyone. But, for those
receive a stipend worth up to $5,000 a year forstudents that want a good education and are
the duration of their college career. In exchangewilling to serve their country as an officer, the
for the scholarships, students make aROTC program is a way to do both.