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Let ROTC Pay Your College Education

filed: October 06, 2008

There are a myriad number of ways for students to pay for their college education, options which should be given full consideration by the academically gifted, but financially struggling student.

Ways to Pay for College

Parents are usually the biggest contributors to their student's education as moms and dads will often open up a college savings account while their children are very young and make those funds available to their child's school in time for their freshmen year of study. In addition, quite a few parents are willing to take out some equity in their homes to pay for college, understanding just how valuable a degree is to ensuring the success of their offspring.

Scholarships, grants, Stafford loans, PLUS loans, private student loans, and deferments are some of the other ways students get their college costs paid in addition to work study, part time employment, and other money earning plans.

How About ROTC

Tens of thousands of students are in college every year thanks to the ROTC – Reserved Officers Training Corps – which gives participants scholarships to schools that have an ROTC program on campus. ROTC is an officer commissioning program that helps members develop leadership skills, tackle and solve problems, employ strategic planning, and uphold professional ethics.

In order to participate in ROTC, students must meet rigorous eligibility requirements. Physical and written exams are given, and students may have to pass other tests as assigned by the particular branch of the military they are interested in serving under (Army, Air Force, Marines, and Navy). In addition, ROTC prospects must have satisfactory college entrance examination (SAT or ACT) scores, with the highest scores increasing the likelihood that a student will be accepted into the program.

Full Scholarship Program

Students who are part of the ROTC program can receive scholarships for 2,3, or 4 years which covers at least a portion of college tuition, though qualified applicants can receive full tuition coverage as well. College related fees are also covered and cadets receive a stipend of up to $5000 per academic year as long as they are enrolled in college.

In exchange for receiving the scholarships, cadets agree to serve in the military for as long as eight years following graduation or serve in the reserve corps while holding civilian employment.

ROTC classes are mixed in with regular academic classes and include both classroom and field study. Summer programs, such as Jump School for the Army, are also offered. Upon completion of their college studies, graduates are automatically given officer status for their respective branch of the military.

More than 1000 colleges and universities across the country participate in ROTC, giving students one more way to pay for their college education. For the student interested in serving his or her country, ROTC will allow them to do that while also giving the a method for covering some or all of their higher education expenses.

For More Information:

• jump over to aid steps for ROTC and other aid information
• view the financial aid chart for undergraduates