The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at Tarleton State University is a premier leadership development program designed for full-time college students. It prepares participants for service opportunities in the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force.
ROTC provides more than just military training—it’s a pathway to developing professional skills, earning scholarships, and receiving tuition assistance. Upon successful completion, cadets are commissioned as officers, ready to lead and serve.
Today, ROTC programs are offered at over 1,700 colleges and universities nationwide, making leadership training and career advancement accessible to students across the country.
Benefits of Joining ROTC
A common question about ROTC is, “Why should I join?” The answer is simple: ROTC combines exceptional educational benefits, leadership training, and career preparation with the opportunity to fully enjoy your college experience.
Invest in Your Future
Joining ROTC comes with the opportunity to apply for scholarships that can significantly offset college costs. These scholarships may cover full or partial tuition, fees, and books, along with a monthly stipend for up to four years.
In exchange, scholarship recipients commit to serving on active duty upon completing ROTC. On-campus ROTC recruiters and academic advisors are available to answer any questions about these benefits and the service commitment.
Build Your Future
ROTC equips you with a strong foundation of technical expertise and leadership skills that will benefit you in any career path you choose. The program offers a structured and proven pathway to success, providing not only career opportunities after college but also ongoing professional development and mentorship to help you excel long-term.
Commission as an Officer
Accepting an ROTC scholarship and completing the program culminates in a significant achievement: being commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Military upon graduation. As leaders, officers take on critical responsibilities, overseeing service members and guiding them within the chain of command.
Officers often work in management roles or highly specialized fields that demand advanced professional skills, making this a rewarding path for those seeking leadership and career growth.
ROTC Training and Scholarships
ROTC offers competitive scholarships that make higher education more affordable while helping students achieve their personal and professional goals. These programs are available at traditional four-year colleges and universities, senior military colleges (across all branches except), and junior military colleges (Army ROTC only, such as at Tarleton State University).
While the specifics vary by college and military branch, every ROTC program combines classroom instruction, field training exercises, leadership labs, and physical fitness to prepare students for success.
General Scholarship Requirements
The requirements for the scholarship may differ by Service branch, however, to qualify for an ROTC scholarship, the applicant must:
- be a U.S. citizen
- be at least 17 years of age
- have a high school GPA of at least 2.50 (3.0 for Air Force)
- have a high school diploma or equivalent
- submit ACT or SAT scores
- meet physical standards
- agree to accept a commission and serve as an active-duty service member or in the Reserve or Guard
Initial acceptance into an ROTC program does not guarantee continued scholarship benefits. Participants must adhere to strict academic standards to receive continued funding throughout their degree programs. Each military branch has its own rules and regulations regarding course balance, selection of a major and grade minimums.
Top ROTC Majors
- Criminal justice
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Nursing
- Education
- Cybersecurity
- Business
- Social work
- Psychology
- Information technology
ROTC at Tarleton State University
At Tarleton State University, students can join ROTC programs offered by the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force. These programs are designed to build confidence while fostering core values such as honor, courage, and commitment, preparing cadets for leadership roles in both military and civilian careers.
Army ROTC
The Army ROTC program is available at over 1,000 colleges and universities across the U.S., offering students an education in leadership, military tactics, survival training, and more.
Participants who enroll in ROTC can earn a two-, three-, or four-year scholarship based on their time remaining to complete their degree, with a service commitment in return. The program’s comprehensive four-year curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on leadership development.
In the summer between junior and senior years, cadets complete a four-week Advanced Camp (AC) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Upon graduation and successful completion of AC, cadets are commissioned as officers in the Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard.
For those who don’t complete the freshman and sophomore year requirements, a four-week Basic Camp at Fort Knox provides an alternative pathway. However, those who have completed military-enlisted basic training or a certified Junior ROTC program are exempt. After Basic Camp, participants are eligible for the same benefits as those in the four-year program.
Air Force ROTC
The Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) program is designed to cultivate leadership and management skills essential for becoming an officer in the Air Force or Space Force. Participants are also prepared for careers that align with their academic specialties.
AFROTC is a comprehensive four-year program offered at nearly 1,100 colleges and universities across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. The program consists of two distinct phases: the General Military Course (GMC) and the Professional Officer Course (POC), each lasting two years.
In addition to the core curriculum, AFROTC offers Professional Development Trainings (PDTs)—specialized classes and hands-on experiences across various Air Force and Space Force fields. These trainings provide valuable insight into the wide range of missions and activities performed by the Air Force and Space Force. Cadets compete for slots in these coveted PDTs, which typically take place during summer breaks when school is not in session.
Upon graduation and successful completion of the program, cadets are commissioned as officers in the Air Force or Space Force, ready to lead and serve.