Membership

ROTC offers multiple scholarship pathways, each with unique financial and service benefits. Scholarship cadets receive a $420 monthly stipend, tuition assistance, and sometimes coverage for room and/or board depending on the scholarship type.

• National Scholarship: Covers full tuition for up to four years. Requires cadets to contract in their freshman year.
• Three-Year or Two-Year Advanced Designee (AD) Scholarships: Tailored for sophomores and juniors, these scholarships cover the remaining years of college tuition, allowing students who join ROTC later to still receive financial support.
• Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GFRD) Scholarship: Designed for those interested in serving in the National Guard or Army Reserve after graduation. Covers tuition and fees, providing a direct path to a reserve component career.
• Minuteman Scholarship: Available to those in the National Guard or Army Reserve, covering full tuition or room and board and providing additional financial incentives. This scholarship includes a service commitment to the Guard or Reserve upon graduation.

Non-scholarship cadets can still enjoy substantial benefits, particularly for in-state students:

• Illinois State Tuition Waiver: Covers tuition and some administrative fees for eligible students, making ROTC an affordable option even without a scholarship.
• Reduced Active Duty (AD) Service Obligation: Only a three-year AD service commitment is required, rather than four.
• Flexible Service Options: Cadets can choose to serve in the National Guard or Army Reserves, offering flexibility for those not interested in active-duty commitments right away.
• No Initial Commitment: Non-scholarship cadets can try out ROTC and take part in leadership training without committing to service immediately.

ROTC is compatible with college athletics, offering a unique path for student-athletes to transition their leadership skills into military service.

• Guaranteed Career Post-Graduation: Ensures a clear career path after college and athletic pursuits end.
• Flexible Scheduling: ROTC accommodates in-season athletic schedules, allowing student-athletes to participate fully without conflicts.
• Professional Sports Opportunities: Student-athletes in ROTC can serve in the National Guard or Army Reserve, which allows them to continue their professional sports career while also fulfilling military service obligations.
• Army Sports Teams: Graduates can potentially compete on Army Sports Teams, extending their athletic career within the military.

This option allows cadets to serve in the National Guard or Army Reserve while completing their ROTC program. SMP cadets receive the following benefits:

• E-5 Pay for Monthly Drills: Cadets are paid at the rank of E-5, even if they haven’t completed basic training, providing substantial financial support.
• Early Exposure to Branch Options: SMP cadets can explore various branches of the Army, helping them make informed career decisions.
• No Basic Training Required: Cadets enter directly into leadership development, skipping the basic training phase.
• Leadership Shadowing: SMP cadets have the opportunity to shadow platoon leaders, gaining hands-on experience in leadership roles.

International students with a green card are eligible to join ROTC, with additional pathways to citizenship available:

• Eligibility Requirements: Must hold a green card; student or work visas do not qualify.
• Expedited Citizenship for Family: Joining and enlisting in the National Guard or Army Reserves can help expedite citizenship for spouses.