ROTC comes in two options: scholarship and non-scholarship.
Clearly, it’s to your benefit to get an ROTC scholarship rather than footing the cost of college on your own. On the other hand, if you aren’t quite sure that military life is for you, non-scholarship options give you a chance to try it out before you commit.
Scholarships come in two, three, and four-year varieties. Each of them offers full coverage for tuition and fees, along with a fixed annual payment to cover books and supplies, and a monthly living stipend paid to you directly. Some programs offer the option to cover room and board instead of tuition. And in some cases, schools that host ROTC programs offer their own unique benefits.
The two- and three-year programs are designed for people who are already enrolled in college and decide to opt for ROTC only after trying it out. Once you commit (and are accepted), they pay for the remainder of your schooling.
Four-year scholarships are aimed at people coming right out of high school. If you make that commitment, you can get a full ride and a 100 percent guaranteed job after graduation in either the active duty force or reserves.