Army ROTC

Army ROTC prepares college students for military service as commissioned officers in the active Army, or part-time in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard.

Scholarship first-year students and non-scholarship first and second-year students may enroll on a trial basis with no commitment to the military.

Students may leave the program or continue with advanced courses to earn a commission as an officer upon graduation. Although the program is designed to start with new first-year students each fall, it's possible to enter the program as late fall of the junior year.

Students with prior military service or those who complete a 28-day summer training camp may bypass the freshmen and sophomore level training. Various types and lengths of scholarships are available. Some of which guarantee duty in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard.

Program Commitment

First- and second-year cadets commit approximately five hours a week during the school year, while third- and fourth-year students commit approximately ten hours a week. Time is spent on weekly classes, physical training, monthly leadership labs and a semester field training exercise.

A Path to Success

Upon completion of the Army ROTC program, graduates will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army and will embark on specialized training in their first Army branch. Following officer branch training and a first assignment, Army officers may pursue additional specialized training and postgraduate education opportunities. They will be assigned to advanced leadership positions and to staff positions in upper management. Also, they may develop doctrine, teach military tactics or serve as advisors.

Additional ROTC Information

Scholarship Information

If you are a rising high school senior, you can apply for the Army ROTC National Scholarship. Check out the Army ROTC Scholarships page for more information.

If you decide to join as a current college student, you’ll have access to 4, 3, or 2-Year Scholarships. Contact our Recruiting Operations Officer, Mr. Brit Orndorf at bdo324@commonwealthu.edu. His years of experience will help the process.

To be accepted for any ROTC Scholarship, you must meet these standards:
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Be at least 17, and under 31 in year of commissioning
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have a high school GPA of at least 2.50, unweighted if you're in high school while applying
- Have taken the SAT or ACT
- Take the current Army physical fitness test
- Meet the physical weight and height requirements
- Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard