Private companies often offer tuition reimbursement to help with the high cost of a four-year degree. However, oftentimes they are not requirements conducive to a student’s lifestyle—such as full-time hours or a required length of employment post-graduation. Such opportunities are dampened by requisites, creating a workload that can be overwhelming or unreasonable, but this isn’t always the case.
Although tuition reimbursements might counteract their intention, another thing to consider is job scarcity. Enter here a job that does not layoff— the U.S. Military. Students can start their careers early and earn scholarships by joining the Reserve Officer Training Corps, otherwise known as the ROTC.
The ROTC at the U dates back to 1919, when students issued a petition demanding institution of the program. Throughout both world wars, the Army ROTC was subject to constant change. 1946 marked the beginning of the stable four-year program. The General Military Science Program was created in 1953, followed by the ROTC Visualization Act in 1964, bringing with it scholarships, advanced courses and a two-year program. The U is the only school in the state that offers ROTC for the Army, Air Force and Navy.
Not only will the ROTC provide funds for tuition if one’s GPA qualifies, but it makes it its goal to see students graduate. Students cannot receive their commission without a degree. Like any other student, you choose a major but are required to take one ROTC class per semester so you can graduate with a minor in military science. As far as time commitment goes, there is leadership lab once a week as well as physical training three mornings a week.
Lt. Col. Grant Stanfield, assistant professor of Military Science, said, “The ROTC produces leaders in the community, not just military leaders…leadership is highly sought after in corporate America.”
For example, several Fortune 500 companies partner with the ROTC in the program Partnership for Youth Success. If graduates don’t qualify for active duty or choose to serve in the National Guard or Reserves, they are guaranteed three job interviews through PAYS.
If a military career is the goal, students must rank in the top 50 percent on the Order Merit List.
Stanfield said, “Going on active duty is quite coveted but not guaranteed,” since it does come with incredible benefits.
If students land in the top percentile as a graduate, they become second lieutenant starting out at $49,000 a year plus benefits. By the end of the second year, active duty is guaranteed—provided they haven’t committed a crime—a promotion to first lieutenant making $57,000 a year.
The U currently has 130 cadets enrolled in the Army ROTC, almost all of which have earned scholarships. The Navy and Air Force branches are smaller, but provide the same opportunities within their programs.
The ROTC department is vastly different from other scholarship opportunities because of the employment push once you graduate. With everyone buzzing about the recessed economy, the combo is perfect for students—be it in military or civilian life.