FAQ

Incoming Student FAQ

What happens if I am a College Program Midshipman and don’t get a scholarship?

If you don’t earn a scholarship by the end of your sophomore year, you automatically apply for Advance Standing. Advance Standing; if granted will provide the Midshipman with the $350/400, (Juniors/Seniors), stipend every month during the school year for the remaining two years. Upon graduation the Advanced Standing Midshipman receives the same commission as the Scholarship Midshipman. If the Midshipman has not been granted Advance Standing by the beginning of the junior year, he or she will be disenrolled from the ROTC program.

What exactly does a NROTC scholarship pay for?

The NROTC Scholarship pays the students’ tuition, uniforms, books, and lab related fees. It also provides the student a stipend every month during the school year, this increases as you complete years in the program, to help with the cost of living.

Does the NROTC scholarship pay for room and board?

No, the NROTC Scholarship does not pay for room and board.

What do Midshipmen have to do in the NROTC program?

Midshipmen are required to take one Naval Science class each semester for four years. These classes provide instruction on the history of the Navy to shipboard operations and engineering. Students are also required to attend Drill in uniform. If students are on scholarship they are required to attend summer training for three consecutive summers.

If I have an NROTC scholarship, am I restricted on what my major can be? Do I have to take certain classes for NROTC?

If I have an NROTC scholarship, am I restricted on what my major can be?

• Navy Option: No, at the time of application the Navy Option scholarship considers the general Tier a major falls into. More scholarships are available for majors in higher tiers. For more information on tiers see “scholarship selection criteria”  https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/NROTC/Program-Info/
• Marine Option: No, the Marine Option scholarship does not restrict major changes or have a tier system.

Do I have to take certain classes for NROTC?

• Navy Option: Yes, in addition to one Naval Science class per semester Navy Option MIDN must take Calculus, Physics, English, American Military Affairs and World Culture. Details on academic requirements can be found at https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/NROTC/Program-Info/. Staff class advisors can provide MIDN more information on what classes meet these requirements.
• Marine Option: Yes, Marine Option MIDN must take one Naval science per semester. Additionally they must English, American Military Affairs and World Culture. The Marine Officer Instructor can provide MIDN more information on what classes meet these requirements.

Is the NROTC program any different for Marine Option Midshipmen?

Yes, they have different requirements and are integrated with the Navy for most events. The Marine Option Midshipmen have less academic requirements, more training events and reports to the active duty Marine staff. For details on academic requirements see https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/NROTC/Requirements/

Is a Marine Option scholarship different from a Navy Option scholarship?

Yes, the Marine and Navy Scholarship process is different. However, some Midshipmen are allowed to transfer between Navy and Marine options if they so desire while they are in NROTC. College Program Midshipmen are also allowed to be Marine Options and work for a Marine Scholarship. College Program Marine Option Midshipmen must achieve Advanced Standing by the end of their sophomore year in order to continue in the program. If the Marine Option Midshipman gains Advanced Standing then he or she is awarded the $350/400, (Juniors/Seniors), stipend and is required to serve 3 years of active duty.

What if I haven’t been granted a scholarship? Can I still join NROTC?

Absolutely. If a student hasn’t been granted a scholarship, he or she can join the NROTC College Program, and will be required to do everything a scholarship student does. College Program students (students that don’t have scholarships) do not go on summer training.  They do, however, attend the initial orientation prior to the Fall semester. College Program students have improved chances of picking up a scholarship since they demonstrated their motivation and desire by joining the NROTC program without any guaranties. The granting of a scholarship is based upon the student’s grades, military aptitude and physical fitness performance in NROTC.

What is my normal time commitment to NROTC each week?

An average week includes about 10-15 hours of work including class, drill and some weekend commitments. Expect to do more as you gain seniority.

What NROTC classes should I register for?

Freshmen should register for “Introduction to Naval Science” (NSC 1110). In addition, you should register for NSC 1101 which is the Naval Science Lab conducted on Tuesday and Thursday.

I was told I am not physically qualified for the NROTC program, what can I do?

You will not receive a NROTC scholarship unless you are found physically qualified for the NROTC program. It is imperative that you become physically qualified before commencement of classes. If you are attempting to gain a waiver for some disqualifying physical condition and you start classes at the university, you will be responsible for payment of tuition, fees and books for that semester. If you are later found physically qualified for a NROTC scholarship during that same semester (i.e. your waiver is granted), your tuition, fees and book expenses can be reimbursed (case by case basis). If you are found not physically qualified for the NROTC program, tuition, fees and book expenses will not be reimbursed.

What are the obligations of a NROTC Scholarship Midshipman upon commissioning?

Scholarship students that graduate and receive their commissioning are obligated to serve 8 years of commissioned service, 5 years of active duty and 3 years inactive reserve. This is in an unrestricted line billet (surface, submarine, aviation, or special warfare). If students go to flight school as Pilots or Naval Flight Officers, their obligations increase to 8 and 6 years of active duty respectively, from their winging date.

What obligation do I owe as a College Program Midshipman with Advance Standing that is commissioned?

College Program commissionies are obligated to serve a minimum of 8 years commissioned service, 5 of these years must be active duty. The length of active duty is extended to 6 years for Naval Flight Officers and 8 years for Pilots upon receiving wings.

What does the summer training consist of for Navy or Marine scholarship students?

Navy Option: The initial training is prior to freshman year, orientation. This training provides the basics to get the freshmen ready to join the Battalion. The first fleet summer training scholarship students attend is called CORTRAMID (Career Orientation and Training, Midshipmen). Scholarship students attend CORTRAMID over the summer between their Freshmen and Sophomore years of college. CORTRAMID’s goal is to orient Midshipmen with the Navy. One week is devoted to exposure to the surface Navy, another to aviation, another to submarines, and the last spent with the Marine Corps. Midshipmen have the choice of attending CORTRAMID on either the west coast in San Diego, California or in the east at Norfolk, Virginia. The Midshipman’s second class cruise (summer training) is between their sophomore and junior years. The second class cruise is designed to give the midshipman exposure to the enlisted community. The Midshipmen will be assigned a highly motivated career Petty Officer running mate that will work with the midshipman on board ship performing enlisted duties. The Midshipman’s first class cruise is between their junior and senior year of college. The first class cruise is designed to provide the Midshipman with a realistic exposure to what it is like to be an officer. The Midshipman is assigned a LT or LTJG running mate. The Midshipman will shadow the officer and assist the officer on performing shipboard duties while in port and underway. It should be noted that Advanced Standing Midshipmen are required to attend this first class cruise.

Marine Option: Rising sophomores and juniors have the opportunity to attend Marine Month. It is Designed to provide MO MIDN with a broad introduction to the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) and exposure to life on active duty. MIDN observe operational Marine Corps units and execute a high-paced training plan designed to develop essential individual Marine skills. Between junior and senior year Marine Option Midshipman attend Officer Candidates School. They are placed in a challenging environment to be evaluated and screened for the leadership, moral, mental and physical qualities required for commissioning as a Marine Corps officer.

What academic standards are there for NROTC Scholarship and College Program Midshipman?

Scholarship and College Program Midshipman must maintain a 2.5 Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale, have no failing grades in any subject required for their major or commissioning, progress on a prescribed timeline for graduation, and have a full academic load every semester (12 credit hours not including your NROTC classes).

What if I received a 4yr NROTC scholarship to a university I was not accepted to?

Scholarship selection and placement is conducted by CNET. Write CNET and request that your scholarship be transferred to another university where you have been accepted. Be sure to include all of the applicable information (universities you have been accepted to, etc) and any extenuating circumstances. Only CNET has the authority to approve or disapprove this request. There is no guarantee that your request will be approved. Another option is to request, via CNET, a deferment of your 4yr scholarship to the next term or school year. This will not change the university where the scholarship is applicable, but the time the scholarship starts. In this way you can re-apply to the university and hopefully get accepted for the next school year. If you do not report to your assigned school as per the scholarship award letter prior to the commencement of classes in the fall, and you have not received an CNET approved deferment or transfer of your scholarship, it will be assumed that you have rejected your 4yr NROTC scholarship.

When should I apply to NROTC?

Typically CNET will begin soliciting applications late in the Spring semester of your Junior year in H.S. for the National 4 Year Scholarships. Fill out an online application, (https://www.nrotc.navy.mil). You will be responsible to send other paperwork such as transcripts and your SAT scores. Part of the application is also required interviews. Please take care of those as soon as you can. The scholarships are awarded on a “rolling” basis starting in September, so students that apply first have an advantage. Students who are not awarded scholarships immediately are retained for further review in later rounds.

Which school should I list first on my application?

NROTC requires you list 3 universities and that one of your top 2 choices be a state school. However, I STRONGLY recommend that you list the school you want to attend most, first. The scholarship board will normally assign you to a school in the order you list them, provided there is room. Remember, it is your responsibility to get accepted at the schools you list. There is no guarantee that the NROTC will have room for every student at every school. All NROTC programs are limited in the number of students they may admit.

What physical/athletic requirements are there for midshipmen?

The unit works out 2-3 times per week. The physical evaluation requirements vary for Marine and Navy option midshipman.

• Navy Option Midshipmen: every semester take a Physical Readiness Test (push-ups, plank and a 1.5 mile run, each for a grade). Standards are found at https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Support-Services/21st-Century-Sailor/Physical-Readiness/Guides/ (see Guide Physical Readiness Test)

• Marine Option Midshipmen: every year take a Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and a Combat Fitness Test (CFT). The PFT consists of a 3 mile run, sit-ups and pull-ups. The CFT consists of ammo can lifts, maneuver under fire (300 yard shuttle run), and a movement to contact (880 yard run). Description and standards for each are found in MCO 6100.13A CH-3 Marine Corps Physical Fitness and Combat Fitness Tests at https://www.fitness.marines.mil// (under “orders” drop down on the right)

Can I be in a fraternity or sorority?

Yes, properly balancing campus life involvement and leadership opportunities may develop stronger military leaders. Keep in mind that time is our most limited resource and ensure your priorities set you up for success!