How common is ROTC in schools?

Hey guys, I'm a junior trying to plan out my senior year and potentially my college path. How common is ROTC in high schools and colleges? What should I consider when looking for schools with good ROTC programs?

Hey! It's awesome that you're considering ROTC as part of your college journey. To answer your question, ROTC programs are quite common in both high schools and colleges, but they can vary in size and focus depending on the institution.

In high schools, Junior ROTC (JROTC) programs are typically sponsored by one of the service branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps. College ROTC programs are also available for these branches and include options such as Army ROTC, Air Force ROTC, and Naval ROTC (which includes Marine Corps options).

When looking for colleges with strong ROTC programs, here are some factors to consider:

1. Presence of the service branch you're interested in: Make sure the college has the specific ROTC program relevant to the military branch you'd like to join. Some colleges may only offer one or two ROTC programs, while others might cover all branches.

2. Program size and reputation: Larger, more established programs may provide additional resources, scholarship opportunities, and networking, while smaller programs may offer individualized attention and close-knit communities.

3. Scholarship availability: Investigate the availability of ROTC scholarships at the schools you're considering and determine the competitiveness and process for applying for these scholarships.

4. Campus support and involvement: Look for colleges with strong support systems for ROTC cadets, such as dedicated facilities, mentoring programs, active alumni networks, and campus-wide appreciation for the program. This can indicate a healthy ROTC community and experience.

5. Integration with your intended major: ROTC programs typically have credit requirements and could impact your academic schedule. Ensure the schools you're interested in can accommodate your intended major alongside ROTC commitments, without significantly prolonging your time to graduation.

To find schools with ROTC programs, you can use CollegeVine's comprehensive search tools, check out the official websites of military branches for lists of participating institutions, or consult with your high school counselor. Best of luck in your senior year and in finding the perfect ROTC program for you!