Stanford
Office for Military-Affiliated Communities

Frequently Asked Questions: ROTC

View an FAQ that has been put together by our cadet ambassadors to help answer your questions.

General Questions

What is ROTC? Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a college program that prepares students to become officers in the U.S. military while earning their degrees. ROTC is available for all five branches of the military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Marine Corps. Students who participate in ROTC undergo military training, leadership development, and academic coursework related to military science. Upon completion of the ROTC program and graduating with a bachelor’s degree, ROTC students are commissioned as officers in their respective military branches and may serve on Active Duty (full-time), the National Guard (part-time), or the Reserves (part-time). The goal of ROTC is to develop leaders who are well-versed in both military and civilian affairs, aligning with Stanford's mission of producing principled leaders contributing positively to society.

Why do Stanford students join ROTC? Students join ROTC at Stanford for diverse reasons, often tailored to their individual goals. Some seek the financial benefits of ROTC scholarships, while others want to join the military for a specific career (i.e. Air Force pilot, Army infantry officer, or Navy submariner). Many students like the combined experience of ROTC and college over attending service academies like West Point, the Naval Academy, or the Air Force Academy.

What is the service commitment after completing ROTC and graduating from Stanford? The service commitment after completing ROTC varies depending on the branch of the military, specific program, and assigned career:

  • Army ROTC: An 8-year commitment is required in either Active-Duty or Reserve Component (National Guard or Reserves). Active Duty entails 4 years of service and 4 years in Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR), while National Guard or Reserves commitment is 6 years with an additional 2 years in IRR. There are also options to serve the 8 years part-time in the National Guard or Reserves.
  • Navy & Marine Corps ROTC: Navy midshipmen are required to serve a minimum of 5 years of Active-Duty upon graduation. Marine Corps Option midshipmen are required to serve at least 4 years of Active-Duty Additional requirements may be required for specific job assignments.
  • Air Force & Space Force ROTC: Both Air Force and Space Force cadets are required to serve 4 years of Active Duty. Pilots and some other flying-related career fields may have longer commitments.

What is the difference between Active Duty, National Guard, Reserves, and Inactive Reserve? 

  • Active Duty (AD): Full-time service obligation. You are engaged in military service on a daily basis, often stationed on military bases or deployed.
  • National Guard: Part-time service with a focus on state and community needs. In peacetime, you serve one weekend a month and two weeks per year, but you may be called to Active Duty during emergencies or for specific missions. 
  • Reserves: Similar to National Guard, part-time service with a focus on supporting and augmenting Active Duty. In peacetime, you serve one weekend a month and two weeks per year, but you may be called to Active Duty during emergencies or for specific missions. 
  • Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR): You are not actively participating in the military (no duty, drills, or training). However, you may be called back to Active Duty during national emergencies.

How many students at Stanford are in ROTC? Our numbers are small but mighty! As of AY 2023-2024, we have a total of 16 students: 7 Air Force, 2 Marine Corps, 2 Space Force, 4 Army, and 1 Navy.

Are ROTC scholarship selectees given any preferential treatment in the admission process? Can the unit help with getting into Stanford? No, the scholarship selection process is COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT of Stanford's admission process. If you get a scholarship, the host ROTC unit may be informed, but you must gain admittance through Stanford’s general admissions process. We cannot help you with getting into Stanford (sorry!).

Is ROTC the only way I can become an officer in the military? There are several pathways to become an officer in the military, each offering unique opportunities and requirements. The main options include:

  • ROTC: ROTC programs are offered at many colleges and universities. Students participate in military training alongside their regular academic coursework. ROTC programs typically span four years and offer scholarships to eligible students.
  • Officer Training School (OTS) or Officer Candidate School (OCS): OTS and OCS are designed for individuals who have already completed their undergraduate education or are enlisted members of the military seeking to become officers. OTS and OCS programs are typically shorter and more condensed than ROTC, ranging from a few weeks to several months depending on the branch of service. Admission to OTS/OCS can be highly competitive, and the wait for entry can be lengthy.
  • Military Service Academies: Military academies, such as the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy, offer a four-year undergraduate education combined with military training. Student life at military academies is characterized by a highly disciplined and rigorous schedule, reminiscent of bootcamp training. Cadets undergo intensive physical training, military drills, and academic coursework in a demanding 24/7 environment.
  • Direct Commissioning Programs: Some branches of the military offer direct commissioning programs for professionals with specialized skills or expertise, such as lawyers, doctors, and chaplains. These programs allow individuals to enter the military as officers without undergoing traditional officer training programs.
  • Specialized Programs: Certain specialized programs, such as the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) and the Nurse Corps Officer Commissioning Program (NCOC), offer opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in healthcare to become officers in the military. These programs provide financial assistance for education in exchange for a commitment to serve as a healthcare provider in the military.

Why should I choose ROTC over other commissioning programs? Choosing ROTC offers several unique advantages over other commissioning programs. ROTC integrates military training with college or university education, allowing cadets to earn their degree while preparing for military service. Additionally, ROTC emphasizes leadership development through a mix of classroom instruction, practical training, and mentorship opportunities. Additionally, many Stanford ROTC students enter with partial or full-tuition ROTC scholarships, providing financial support for their college education. Unlike the military academies, ROTC offers flexibility in life as a college student and allows cadets to pursue specialized training opportunities tailored to their interests and career goals. Finally, the wait for Officer Training School or Officer Candidate School can be lengthy and highly competitive, whereas ROTC offers a more direct path to commissioning. 

Why should I choose Stanford ROTC over other schools with host units and/or the military academies? Participating in ROTC at Stanford offers unique opportunities due to its intersection with Silicon Valley and its long-standing relationship with the U.S. military. The university boasts a robust military presence on campus, providing access to various resources and initiatives, such as:

Stanford's appeal lies in its diverse community, attracting a multitude of individuals from various military backgrounds. Every year, the university welcomes 30-40 students from different ROTC programs, military academies, and Active Duty positions who pursue advanced degrees (master’s or PhD) or military fellowships at Stanford. Additionally, Stanford ROTC alumni have forged remarkable paths in their military careers, with former members becoming fighter pilots and test pilots, special forces commanders, flag officers (Generals and Admirals), and even congressional representatives. This alumni network exemplifies the caliber of leadership cultivated within Stanford ROTC.

ROTC Student Life

What is it like participating in ROTC at different universities? Stanford students in ROTC engage through cross-enrollment agreements with nearby universities hosting ROTC programs. This involves carpooling to UC Berkeley (Navy/Marine Corps), San Jose State (Air Force/Space Force), or Santa Clara University (Army) for weekly military training and classes. If scheduling conflicts arise, students are responsible for their own transportation to the host school. Stanford ROTC students enjoy equal opportunities as host-unit students, such as the ability to participate in endurance club, color guard, or any other ROTC-related activities. Check out the “Day in the Life” articles for a better idea of ROTC student life.

How do ROTC students commute to the host units? Typically, Stanford ROTC students carpool using cars, with many upperclassmen having their own personal vehicles. Because freshmen are not allowed to have cars on campus, freshmen usually carpool with the upperclassmen or rideshare to get to training. OMAC gives quarterly transportation cost reimbursements to offset gas/rideshare/ZipCar costs. Please see the ROTC Transportation Fund page for more information.

The commute to each of the host schools is very long, and I’m worried about building camaraderie with my host unit. Is ROTC worth it? Ultimately, the decision to join ROTC depends on your individual preferences and priorities. While the commute to host schools may be lengthy, many Stanford ROTC students appreciate the physical distance between their training unit and campus life. Contrary to common concerns, being a crosstown student has no impact on your ability to build camaraderie with your host unit. In fact, many Stanford ROTC students have risen to top leadership positions within their units, such as Cadet Wing Commander (AFROTC) and Battalion Commander (NROTC, AROTC). Many students nationwide revolve their college life around ROTC, but at Stanford, you have the flexibility to balance ROTC commitments with other aspects of your college experience. 

Can I participate in extracurricular activities such as sports teams, student groups, or Greek organizations at Stanford? Yes. Most of Stanford’s ROTC students are heavily involved in student life and have served as fraternity/sorority presidents, student organization leaders, or even NCAA Division 1 athletes. ROTC encourages participation in the school community. In our experience, scheduling conflicts rarely occur and are easily resolved.

Can I study abroad? Yes! Many Stanford ROTC students have successfully studied abroad through Stanford’s Bing Overseas Programs (BOSP) in locations like Florence, Madrid, and Berlin. Additionally, ROTC can fund certain study-abroad programs through Project GO. Early planning is crucial to ensure you can study abroad while graduating on-time; inform your ROTC advisor early if you are interested.

Can I pursue a coterminal master’s degree? Yes, pursuing a coterm is possible, though timeline requirements vary by branch. Depending on your major and the U.S. military's needs, you may be granted an extra year to extend your commissioning and graduation timeline to coterm in five years. However, this is not guaranteed; in most cases, you should plan on coterming in four years (conferring both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four years).

Can I talk to a current Stanford ROTC student to learn more about life in ROTC? Yes! You can reach out to our dedicated student ambassadors for all ROTC branches. You can also follow our student-run Stanford ROTC Association (@stanfordrotc) on Instagram and DM to ask questions.

Benefits and Financial Aid

What are the ROTC scholarship benefits? Details vary by branch and by specific scholarships given, but ROTC scholarships often cover:

  • Full or partial tuition expenses at Stanford
  • Monthly stipends
  • Book allowance for textbooks and other required academic materials
  • Uniforms

Please research specific branch scholarship benefits on their respective websites.

Does an ROTC scholarship cover room and board expenses at Stanford? Generally, no. Some ROTC scholarship recipients have the option of choosing to have their room and board paid for instead of tuition and fees, but the scholarship will not cover both. This depends on the specific scholarship and branch.

Are ROTC scholarship recipients eligible for financial aid? All questions regarding financial aid should be directed to Stanford’s financial aid office. According to the Higher Education Act, ROTC scholarships are not factored into determining the cost of attendance or expected family contributions for federal financial aid eligibility. ROTC scholarships should be treated as a veteran's benefit rather than a scholarship by schools.

Can I participate in ROTC at Stanford if I do not yet have a scholarship? Yes! Students may join any ROTC unit and apply to receive a scholarship for their specific branch before they enter junior year.