The purpose of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps is to develop midshipmen mentally, morally, and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty in order to commission college graduates as naval officers who possess a basic professional background, are motivated toward careers in the naval service, and have a potential for future development in mind and character so as to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government. The Scholarship Program leads to a commission in the Navy or Marine Corps. Upon graduation and commissioning, scholarship students are obligated to serve a minimum of four years on active duty. For those students who are interested in a commission and do not desire a scholarship, or for those who are seeking an opportunity to qualify for a scholarship after entering NC State, the College Program is available. Students enrolled in the College Program are provided uniforms and Naval Science textbooks.
Selection is based on academic and demonstrated professional performance.
College Program midshipmen receive a single summer training cruise between the junior and senior year. Except for administrative differences, no distinction is made between the Scholarship and College Program midshipmen. The minimum active duty commitment following graduation for a College Program student is three years. Students in the College Program are eligible to compete for scholarships at regular intervals. Most College Program students who have demonstrated above average academic and professional performance in the unit have received scholarships.