The United States Armed Forces offer tuition reimbursement programs, academic courses, and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships. The government also operates five highly competitive academies that prepare students for military or merchant marine careers.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The federal Montgomery GI Bill provides monthly educational benefits to veterans, reservists, and active duty personnel. Benefits are also available under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program and the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program. For information, call 1-888-442-4551 or contact the VA Regional Office, 31 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Headquarters 70th Leadership Training Regiment
Many courses are offered year-round for officer candidates and non-commissioned officers at the Headquarters 70th Leadership Training Regiment at Camp Fretterd in Reisterstown. For information, call 410-833-1500, or write to the Regiment at 13720 Omaha Beach Circle, Reisterstown, MD 21136.
Air Force ROTC Scholarship Program
Full college tuition and various laboratory, textbook, and incidental fees covered. Also, a non-taxable $100 monthly allowance during the school year. Minimum four-year active duty service obligation. Student's choice of over 500 colleges and universities throughout the country. Program open to high school graduates who are age 17 to 25 and U.S. citizens. Scholarships based on SAT or ACT scores, GPA, class standing, interview, and physical aptitude test. Apply in junior year of high school or no later than December 1 of senior year. For information, call 1-800-522-2091 or write to HQ AFROTC Recruiting Division, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6106.
Army ROTC Scholarship Program
Tuition, laboratory fees, and a standard amount for purchase of textbooks, classroom supplies, and equipment. Tax-free subsistence of up to $1,500 each school year of scholarship support. Scholarship winners are obligated to military service. This can be fulfilled by 1) serving 2 to 4 years followed by service in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve or 2) by serving 8 years in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve. Four-year scholarship recipients must attend Army ROTC host institutions; two and three-year recipients may attend any college offering Army ROTC. Applicants must be high school graduates, age 17-21, and U.S. citizens. Awards based on SAT or ACT and high school academic review, interview, and physical aptitude exam. Apply during junior year in high school. For information, write to the Department of the Army, ROTC Scholarships, Ft. Monroe, VA 23651.
Naval ROTC Navy-Marine Corps Scholarship Program
Tuition, laboratory fees, books, and fees provided, plus $150 monthly compensation. Four-year active duty service obligation, plus four-year reserve duty. Attend participating college of choice. High school graduates must be U.S. citizens, at least age 17 when enrolled, and not over 27 when graduated and commissioned. Awards based on SAT or ACT, high school academic review interview, physical aptitude exam, plus other processing requirements. For information, call (703)696-4581 or write to Commander, Navy Recruiting Command (CODE 314), 801 N. Randolph Street, Arlington, VA 22203.
