Prospective Cadets

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Last Updated: Aug 22, 2024, 11:52 AM

Scholarships

These days a college education comes at a high price. Many students are stuck working their way through college or taking out loans they’ll spend the next 20 years paying back.

Air Force ROTC can help you overcome the financial hardships associated with college, and when you complete your degree, you have got a guaranteed career after school.

Almost 100 percent of our cadets qualify for one of the scholarships listed below:
  • High School Scholarships

    Air Force ROTC offers three and four-year scholarships on a competitive basis to high school seniors. Scholarships are awarded in many majors, particularly engineering, computer science and nursing. Students must apply online by December 1st of their senior year of high school at afrotc.com.
  • College Scholarships

    Scholarships from 1 to 3 years are available for well-qualified cadets based on scores achieved on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), ACT/SAT, grade point average (GPA), physical fitness and class standing.
  • Illinois State Tuition Waiver

    The State of Illinois also offers tuition waivers to ROTC students on a competitive basis. These are full tuition waivers for students attending an Illinois school offering ROTC. Students must be an Illinois resident and have a GPA of 2.5 or better to apply. There is no military obligation or service commitment associated with this scholarship. Apply for the Illinois State Tuition Waiver (ISTW) here.

Requirements

Military PlaneThe General Military Course is offered to freshmen and sophomore students who meet the following minimum membership requirements:

  • Enrolled in an accredited college that hosts or has a crosstown agreement with an Air Force ROTC detachment 
  • United States citizen (if on scholarship)
  • In good physical condition
  • Of good moral character
  • Age 14 years or older – 17 years old to receive a scholarship
  • Attend both the Aerospace Studies class and Leadership Lab each semester

The following credentials may preclude you from Air Force ROTC membership (contact a cadre member if you feel the below pertains to your situation), but will not keep you from enrolling in an Aerospace Studies class:

  • Conscientious objectors – one who has or had a firm, fixed and sincere objection to participation in war, in any form, or to the bearing of arms because of religious training or belief, which includes solely moral or ethical beliefs.
  • Present or former commissioned officers of the Armed Forces.
  • Officers of the Health Services and Mental Health Administration and members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
  • Individuals on active duty with any military service – enlisted/warrant officers of Reserve or National Guard unless conditionally released.
  • Nonimmigrant students from nations not approved by the Department of State.
  • Students who do not or cannot meet required Military Retention Standards.
  • Individuals who have dropped out of a previous officer training program (e.g., Officer Training School, United States Air Force Academy, etc.). This may be waived depending on individual circumstances.

The Professional Officer Course is offered to juniors and seniors who have already committed to a four-year post-graduation service commitment with the Air Force.

  • You must meet all the GMC membership requirements and:
  • Be a United States citizen
  • Be of legal age as required by the state in which you will be attending ROTC or 17 years old with parent or guardian consent
  • Be in good academic standing
  • Four-year Program: has two academic years remaining in a degree program (undergraduate, graduate or combination of both)
  • Participate in both Aerospace Studies classes and Leadership Laboratory each semester
  • Meet the age requirements:
    • Rated (pilot or combat systems officer) – commissioned before reaching the age of 29
    • Scholarship applicants – be less than 31 years old as of December 31 of the year you will commission
    • Tech, non-tech and non-rated – commissioned by age 30 (waiverable up to age 35)
  • Be physically fit
    • Meet Air Force height and weight standards
    • Pass the Air Force Physical Fitness Test
  • Have a military certified/qualified physical
  • Pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test
  • Be selected by a board of Air Force officers
  • Complete a Field Training course
    • Four-year Program: two-week Field Training Unit
  • If you are single with a dependent or married to a military member with dependent you are eligible to enter the POC however, you must have an approved Family Care Plan completed (In accordance with AFI 36-2908, Family Care Plans; If you have more than two dependents under the age of 18, a waiver may be requested to permit accession of applicants. (Maximum total of three dependents only). A dependent is defined as anyone incapable of self-care, e.g., child, parent, etc. (Contact the det for more information)