Military college scholarships are available to those who quality and each branch of the service, Army, Air Force and Navy (including Marines) has their own specific programs. Academic based scholarships, military dependent scholarships, and ROTC scholarships are just a few types available. Educational scholarships are promoted by all Armed Forces branches and can offer some excellent benefits to prospective college students.
ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS
ROTC (Reserved Officers Training Corps) scholarships are provided through all service branches and some of these are all-inclusive, giving what’s known as a ‘free ride’. These programs differ from branch to branch and also from university to university. As an example, the Naval ROTC program has both two and four-year scholarships available, both of which require the graduating student to commit to serving a minimum of eight years in either the Naval Reserves or the Marine Corps Reserves upon graduation.
Army ROTC offers 2, 3 and 4-year programs, after which the graduating student is required to either accept a commission on active duty or a term of service with the Army National Guard or Army Reserves. Those qualifying for these educational scholarships will have had to obtain high test scores and maintained a high level of academic achievement while in high school. For those who qualify and would like to spend some time serving their country in the military this is a good route to pursue.
MILITARY ACADEMIES
Each service branch also has an academy for top rated students to pursue their educational goals and then accept an active commission upon graduation. Entry into either West Point, Annapolis or the Air Force Academy is quite an accomplishment for those successful in doing so as the standards are extremely high and the competition is huge. These schools are also known to be quite demanding on students’ abilities mentally, physically and emotionally. These are all ‘full ride’ scenarios and, in fact, cadets not only receive everything free of charge but also receive a stipend paid to them for attending.
Not all military college scholarships require the graduating student to enter one of the armed services upon graduation. Military dependents scholarships, as an example, are available for spouses and children of active duty or retired military personnel. There are literally hundreds of different scholarships available and chances are you can qualify in several categories. There are numerous sites online that fully explain all the different options and programs out there. If you have the desire to pursue higher education there are ways and means of obtaining the financial aid necessary to do so. Take a look at what’s available.