Scholarship Navy ROTC students are appointed midshipmen, U.S. Naval Reserve, on a nationwide competitive basis. They receive retainer pay of $250- $400 per month for a maximum of four academic years, with all tuition, fees, and equipment paid for by the government. Additionally, students receive $300 per semester for books. Midshipmen must complete the prescribed naval science courses and participate in drills and three summer cruises. After graduating with a bachelor’s or graduate degree, they accept a commission as an ensign in the U.S. Navy or as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Nonscholarship Navy ROTC students enter into a mutual contract with the Secretary of the Navy to take naval science courses and to participate in drills and one summer training cruise. On a competitive basis, students may apply to continue in the Navy ROTC program through their junior and senior years. The U.S. Navy pays these continuing students $300-$400 per month during their junior and senior years, offering them a commission in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps upon graduation. The program chair may recommend nonscholarship students, on a local competitive basis, for scholarship status.
Two-Year Program Option
In their sophomore year, students may apply for the two-year Navy ROTC program, competing nationwide for available scholarships. If selected, they attend the six-week Naval Science Institute (NSI) at Newport, Rhode Island, during July and August. NSI provides students with course material and training normally covered during the first two years of the regular Navy ROTC program. Successful completion of NSI qualifies students for enrollment in the advanced Navy ROTC program on an equal footing with the four-year students. Usually about 15 percent of the nonscholarship students finishing NSI are offered two-year Navy ROTC scholarships. Additional scholarships occasionally may be awarded to others upon the recommendation of the program chair.
U.S. Marine Corps Program
Navy ROTC students, either scholarship or nonscholarship, may apply for the U.S. Marine Corps program. Students selected for that program are referred to as “Marine Corps option students” and attend separate classes under a U.S. Marine officer instructor during their junior and senior years.
Midshipman Company
NROTC students are required to participate in the midshipman company. The company meets several times a week for physical fitness and general class room training. The company also sponsors and competes in several drill and physical fitness competitions each semester, as well as a formal event once a semester. The midshipman company is the primary tool for leadership training that prepares midshipman to enter service as a commissioned officer in the United States Military.