Scholarships
Army ROTC scholarships are awarded on merit, not financial need. Below you'll find what a scholarship covers, the service it requires and how to apply.
Start where you are
Already have outside tuition funding? The scholarship can be taken as full room and board instead. Every cadet receives uniforms and military science textbooks at no cost.
You will serve as an officer.
Understand this before you apply. Accepting a scholarship means accepting a commission as a Second Lieutenant and an eight-year total service obligation. You choose its shape:
- Active duty: four years full time, then four in the Individual Ready Reserve, Army Reserve or National Guard.
- Reserve component: part time in the Army Reserve or National Guard while you build a civilian career.
Non-scholarship cadets who enter the Advanced Course serve three years on active duty. The scholarship adds the fourth.
Scholar. Athlete. Leader.
Army officers reflect the best of America, and the most competitive applicants show all three. You don't need to be exceptional in every column, but you should be able to point to something concrete in each.
Scholar
- GPA above 3.0
- Honors and Advanced Placement courses
- National Honor Society or top 10% of your class
Athlete
- Varsity letters on a school team
- Regional, city or competitive league teams
- Individual athletic competition
Leader
- Elected student government or class office
- Captain of a team or academic squad
- Responsibility in a club, job or volunteer group
Do you qualify?
Each of these is required. If you fall short on one, talk to us anyway. A conversation costs nothing.
- Citizenship
- U.S. citizen
- Age
- Between 17 and 26
- High school GPA
- 2.50 minimum
- Testing
- SAT or ACT scores
- Physical
- Meet Army medical and fitness standards
- Service
- Agree to accept a commission
Apply early
The application portal opens in June before your senior year. Three selection boards meet during the school year, and fewer scholarships remain after each one. Your file has to be complete, not just started, by a board's deadline.
- Board 1 · Usually OctoberFall
The largest number of scholarships is available. We recommend applying for this board.
- Board 2 · Usually JanuaryWinter
Still competitive, with a smaller pool left.
- Board 3 · Usually MarchSpring
Applicants compete for the scholarships that remain.
Cadet Command sets exact deadlines and eligibility each cycle. Confirm current dates with Mr. Thompson before you plan around them.
How to apply, step by step
The whole application lives in one online portal. Budget a few hours: the survey alone takes about 25 minutes, and two pieces depend on other people.
- 1
Create your account
Register on the Army ROTC scholarship portal, accept the notice and consent, and set your password from the activation email. Your username is your email address.
- 2
Complete all nine tabs
Personal, parental, military and academic information, activities, school of intent, the survey, your personal statement and uploads. List Vanderbilt or a partner school as your school of intent, and save each tab before moving on.
- 3
Line up your two outside contacts early
The academic tab names your guidance counselor and the coach or PE teacher who will give your fitness assessment. Coordinate with both, then confirm they submitted. This is the most common reason applications stall.
- 4
Write the personal statement carefully
The statement is limited to 2,000 characters. Have someone you trust proofread it before you submit.
- 5
Interview with the Professor of Military Science
When your status changes to INTERVIEWEE, contact us to schedule. Bring your supporting documents, dress professionally and arrive on time.
- 6
Confirm you're Board Ready
After the interview the PMS enters a recommendation and your file goes to the next board. Check that status in the portal yourself. Results come about 30 days after the board ends.
Earn a campus-based scholarship
Didn't apply in high school, or didn't win a national award? Students at Vanderbilt and every partner school compete for two- and three-year scholarships on the same terms.
- Step 1
Enroll in military science
Add the MS class and lab for your year. There's no obligation while you try it.
- Step 2
Train with the battalion
Show up to PT, labs and field training. Cadre look for the same scholar, athlete and leader record.
- Step 3
Meet the enrollment officer
Mr. Thompson reviews your eligibility, fitness, medical qualification and the campus board calendar.
- Step 4
Compete and contract
Winners contract with the Army. Contracted cadets without a scholarship still receive the $420 monthly stipend.
Questions?
Reach out before you apply. Many students who assume they aren't eligible turn out to be.