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.

Applications typically open in the summer before senior year.

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/

Rutgers University-NB ROTC Trustee Award

The Rutgers University-New Brunswick ROTC Award is a four-year renewable scholarship designed to support first-year fall applicants demonstrating strong leadership, persistence, and commitment to participating in an ROTC program while attending Rutgers. Each year, $15,000 Trustee Scholarships are awarded to five students across Army, Air Force, and Navy ROTC programs.

Eligibility is limited to first-year fall applicants admitted to specific New Brunswick schools, including the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the Rutgers Business School. Transfer and continuing ROTC students are not eligible.

The selection process involves collaboration between Undergraduate Admissions and ROTC programs. Candidates are ranked based on academic merit. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, complete 24 degree credits annually, and remain in good standing with their ROTC program to renew the scholarship.

All incoming freshmen who have committed to Rutgers and complete AFROTC enrollment by April 25th will be considered for the scholarship. Please contact the Recruiting Officer for more questions regarding the ROTC Trustee Award.

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.