Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)

Currently Central offers Army and Airforce ROTC program out of UCONN. For more information regarding the ROTC Program please contact:

Army ROTC 860.486.6081 armyrotc@uconn.edu

Airforce ROTC 860.486.2224 afrotc115@uconn.edu

Background Information

ROTC programs were designed to augment the service academies in producing leaders and managers for the armed forces. Each branch of the service has a specific set of courses and training that officers must complete prior to joining. ROTC programs allow students to do this while completing their college education. Upon graduation members are commissioned (certified) by the President of the United States to serve as a leader in active, reserve or guard components of each branch.

Financial Benefits

Each branch of the service offers ROTC scholarships to eligible students. Eligibility criteria is listed by branch below. The table below lists the different scholarship levels.
 
Note: ROTC Scholarships DO NOT pay for your room and board.  

Scholarship Type Pays Stipend When Do I Apply
4 Year National Full Tuition Books, Fees $200 Junior/Senior year of High School
2 or 3 Year Scholarships Full Tuition Books, Fees $200 Freshman/Sophomore year of College
College Program N/A $200 Freshman/Sophomore year of College
Unit Scholarships* Full Tuition Books, Fees $200 Freshman/Sophomore year of College

*Each commanding officer of an ROTC can select one student a year for a merit scholarship. You normally have to spend at least one semester on campus.

ROTC Scholarship Comparison Table

Branch Can I choose my school? Can I choose my Major? Minimum Test Requirements
Army Students that apply for Army ROTC scholarships can choose up to three schools. Scholarships are awarded based upon availability at the school of your choice. The Army does try to match the needs of the student in most cases, but the Army does have final say to which school you attend. Yes, within limits 920 SAT/19 ACT
Navy & Marines Naval ROTC grants the student the most flexibility in selecting schools. Students can attend any one of 67 host NROTC universities once they obtain a scholarship. Yes, but you must complete 1 yr of calculus & 1 yr of calculus based physics 520 M 530 V SAT, 22 ACT (Navy), 1000 SAT or combined 45 ACT (USMC)
Air Force Air Force ROTC scholarships are distributed by major. You are free to choose any school as long as the school you want to attend offers AFROTC & has an approved scholarship major. Must be approved by the USAF 520 M 530 V SAT, 24 ACT

Frequently Asked Questions

No.

You are not obligated until the first semester of your sophomore year if you have a 4 year scholarship. This is commonly referred to as the freshman trial period.

For two and three year scholarship winners, your obligation will occur upon completion of your services respective summer training.

College Program students have an obligation that normally begins after their junior year.

No. Untrained college students in charge of a unit is not the goal of the Armed Forces. Only trained personnel are sent to combat. You can think of ROTC and your college education as a prolonged training period.

Depending upon when, and your branch will determine your obligation to the government. Before your freshman trial period, then you owe the government nothing. If it occurs after your obligation period, then it is up to your branch to decide. There are three possible outcomes: 

  • You enlist in the service
  • You pay back the money
  • You get a second chance