Scholarships

“One key aspect of the Air Force ROTC program is that the opportunity for a scholarship exists during their high school, senior year, or while they are in college. Both of our scholarships cover full tuition, so regardless of when a student wants to join ROTC, whether that is before college or while they are in college, an opportunity to receive a scholarship is there.

Scholarship opportunities do exist for both private schools and public schools. They have the ability to earn a stipend monthly, as well as to attend multiple and various different Professional Development Training seminars, so there are a lot of benefits in ROTC.”

High School Scholarship Program (HSSP)

High school seniors that meet all eligibility requirements may apply for Air Force ROTC scholarships through the High School Scholarship Program (HSSP). For more information on the HSSP process please visit AFROTC.com.

In-College Scholarship (ICSP) Opportunities

If you’re already in college, you can still experience the benefits of joining Air Force ROTC. In addition to detachment-specific scholarship opportunities, freshman and sophomore students may be eligible for the In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP). The program awards scholarships based on merit during two selection phases (fall and spring semesters). Note: AFROTC scholarships do not cover room and board.

TYPE 1 ICSP Scholarship

Reserved for Commanders’ In-College Scholarships (CICS) offered to cadets pursuing a technical major. It pays 100 percent tuition and authorized fees at any public or private institution with an Air Force ROTC detachment. Selectees also receive a monthly living expense stipend and an annual book stipend.

TYPE 2 ICSP Scholarship

This is awarded to all cadets selected through the In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP) and pays up to $18,000 per year in college tuition at any public or private institution with an Air Force ROTC detachment. Scholarship payment is further capped at up to $9,000 per semester or up to $6,000 per quarter. Selectees will also receive a monthly living expense stipend and an annual book stipend.

More information on scholarship requirements can be found at: https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/college/requirements/

General Charles McGee Leadership Award (CMLA)

The CMLA is a 2-year scholarship to help relieve financial burdens and allow all qualified cadets to focus on their academic and leadership development. Eligible cadets are granted a two-year tuition award of $18,000 per year, or this can be converted to a housing benefit of up to $10,000 per year.

This scholarship will be available to all cadets who have successfully completed field training and entered the Professional Officer Course upon the start of their junior year of college.

Conversion of existing ROTC scholarships to a Housing Scholarship

Cadets have the option to convert their awarded ROTC scholarship (any of the ones listed above) to a $10k per academic year 'housing scholarship'. This scholarship will then be applied to campus housing. Board is not included, and the conversion must begin at start of the fall term, if used.  

AFROTC You Can Fly (YCF) Program 

Created in 2019, the YCF program is a diversity initiative to increase rated manning through early exposure, education and flight experience. Cadets chosen by detachment faculty will receive $3,500 to use at any local FAA-certified flight school, achieving an average of 15 flight hours. This program typically offered to new ROTC cadets allows them to experience the wonders of flight and, at the same time, offsets the substantial financial burden that can come with private flight lessons. 

NOTE: Detachment cadre, recruiters, current cadets or any other member representing the Air Force, Space Force, or Air Force ROTC cannot guarantee receipt of or eligibility for any Air Force ROTC scholarship.