College Students

Campus Based Scholarship Opportunities

Campus based scholarships are available to qualified students who were not offered or did not apply for the High School ROTC Scholarship or the Green to Gold program. These scholarships are limited and may range in length from 2-4 years. Scholarships pay for full tuition and mandatory fees, for both resident and non-resident students. Scholarship awardees also receive a book allowance and a tax-free monthly stipend to defray the cost of living. Applications can be submitted year round to the Department of Military Science at PSU.

    Scholarship Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria

    • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
    • Must be under 31 years of age by December 31 of the year you will graduate from college.
    • Must have four or more academic semesters remaining for a baccalaureate degree upon enrollment. Students seeking a master’s degree must have four academic semesters remaining and must have Army ROTC Basic Course credit (contact the ROTC department the spring before you begin your program).
    • Have a minimum college GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
    • Have a satisfactory explanation for any record of arrest and/or civil conviction.
    • Have no moral or personal conviction against bearing arms or supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States.

    Those applicants advancing to further scholarship consideration are scheduled for a medical examination and a personal interview.

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      Penn State Students

      University Park Students

      • If you are interested in joining the Nittany Lion Battalion, please fill out the interest form below, so we can get in contact with you and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to welcoming you to the Nittany Lion Battalion!

        Interest Form

        Army ROTC Opportunities at Commonwealth Campuses

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        Commonwealth Campus Students

        • 2 + 2 Students: Once you enroll at your starting campus, you do not need to reapply for admission when it’s time to move to your second campus. You will work with your academic advisers to complete the change of campus process. This process happens during the fourth semester (end of sophomore year) for most students, in anticipation of moving to the second campus for the fifth semester (junior year). 

          Your academic adviser will also make sure that you are on track to meet the entrance to major requirements for your chosen program. These requirements are the same whether you start at University Park or a Commonwealth campus.

          How does this fit into ROTC?

          You will complete the Army ROTC course in 2 years instead of the typical 4 years. Here’s how:

          • You will attend Army ROTC Basic Camp, a four-week introduction to Army life and the leadership training of ROTC. It is designed for college students, typically between their sophomore and junior years. Upon completion of Basic Camp, you will be qualified for the “advanced course,” which are the junior and senior level ARMY courses. You will not have to make up the freshman and sophomore classes.
          • During your junior year, you will take the ARMY 300-level courses, and the 400-level courses during your senior year, just like your peers.

           

          Non - Penn State Students at other Universities

          Current Cadets

          • Here are some questions to consider. Once you have addressed these questions on your own, please fill out the interest form so we can get in contact with you. We look forward to welcoming you to the Nittany Lion Battalion!

            • Have you spoken to your Cadre about your desire to transfer?
            • Are you currently contracted? Do you have a scholarship?  If so, did your scholarship come through the National High School process or was it campus based?
            • Are you currently in good standing with your Battalion/University? (GPA, APFT/ACFT, Waivers, Good Conduct, etc.)
            • Please provide the following: Current Academic GPA, ROTC GPA, Most Recent APFT/ACFT Score, Copy of most recent ROTC counseling (if available).
            • Do you have any outstanding waivers of ANY KIND (medical, academic, civil conviction, etc.)?
            • What are your reasons for requesting a transfer to Penn State?
            • Have you applied to Penn State for admission? What is your academic major? Have you changed your major since contracting?
            • If you have applied to Penn State and been granted entry, are you still academically aligned with your current class?  When is your projected graduation/commissioning date?

          Students

          • Here are some questions to consider. Once you have addressed these questions on your own, please fill out the interest form so we can get in contact with you. We look forward to welcoming you to the Nittany Lion Battalion!

            • What are your reasons for requesting a transfer to Penn State?
            • Have you applied to Penn State for admission? What is your academic major? Have you changed your major at any point?
            • If you have applied to Penn State and been granted entry, are you still academically aligned with your current class? What is your projected graduation date?

               

              Interest Form

              Frequently asked questions

              Do I have to go to basic training?

              Army Basic Combat Training is not required for individuals participating in Army ROTC. The Army ROTC Curriculum covers the same material and more throughout your time in the program.​

              Can I go into the Army Reserve or National Guard after graduation?

              Yes. Selected Cadets may choose to serve part-time in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.

              Are my ROTC classes for credit?

              Each course is two credits during the freshman and sophomore years.​

              At least six credits of Army ROTC can be applied toward degree requirements in all majors, usually as elective credits.

              Will Army ROTC interfere with post graduation education?

              Army offers competitive ‘educational Delay’ -or- Cadets can commission as National Guard or Army Reserve, which doesn’t conflict with academics.

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