Army ROTC Scholarships

Scholarships are available through Army ROTC. Each scholarship varies but can pay for 100% tuition and fees or $5,000 per semester for room and board, $420 monthly stipend and $600 a semester for books.

4 Year Scholarship Program

An Army ROTC Scholarship is awarded on your individual merits including leadership potential, general physical fitness, grade point average and involvement in community or university activities. These all contribute toward final selection and scholarship award. Your current financial situation is not an element of consideration.

Let the Army Pay College Costs; You Concentrate on Classes

Several recent SDSU Collegian stories have highlighted the ever-increasing cost of a 4-year education, stating the average student leaves SDSU with $24,000 in student loans to pay back. Why not let Army ROTC show you how a value-added degree from SDSU and a prestigious commission as an Army Officer can be your gateway to future success?

With an Army ROTC Scholarship, you could have a job waiting for you after graduation and fewer school loans to repay after graduation. In fact, you may not even have to hunt for a job after graduation. With an officer’s commission as a Second Lieutenant you’ll start at about $56,000 a year with full health and dental coverage, moving expenses and 30-days paid vacation a year.

How Much is a Scholarship Worth?

The scholarship pays 100% tuition and fees or $5,000/semester (whichever is more), $600 per semester for books and materials plus $420 in a monthly stipend during the school year. The monthly stipend stays the same each year as you progress through the program and college.

Tuition and fee payments are made directly to the SDSU Cashier’s office. The book money, monthly stipend and room & board are directly deposited into the account of your choice. An ROTC scholarship is a smart choice for a rewarding future!

Scholarship Requirements:

Be under 31 years of age when commissioned
Be a U.S. citizen
Meet medical standards
Minimum high school GPA of 2.5
ACT / SAT score
Meet fitness requirements
Be at least 17 years old
Serve as an active duty officer for four years

Estimate of Scholarship Benefits:

SDSU Tuition and Fees: $47,550.00 (4 year) approximately
Books: $4,800.00
ROTC Stipend: $16,800
Advance Course: $850.00
Total: $70,000.00

Four Year Scholarship Application Process

“'The West Point of the Plains Battalion:' Steps to get you started with the opportunity of a lifetime."

Apply for the 4-Year Army ROTC scholarship
Read requirements on this page then scroll down and click on Take the Next Step: Create An Account
Follow the instructions to create an account on the following pages.
Check the e-mail account you provided for confirmation and follow link provided.
Once your new password is created, log back in with your e-mail and password making sure you click on Apply Online which is on the top right of the screen.
Click on Become an Officer, then click on Army ROTC direct below.
Click on High School Student, then click on Explore Scholarships.
Click on Apply Now under High School Student Scholarships.
Log in using Email address and password used to create your account NOT username.
Follow steps to create Scholarship Application.
After submitting application, take the survey, answering the questions HONESTLY, it will add points your score.

More information about The West Point of the Plains Battalion.

How Much is a Scholarship Worth?

With an Army ROTC scholarship, you could have a job waiting for you after graduation and significantly fewer loans to repay after graduation. In fact, you may not even have to hunt for a job after graduation. With an officer’s commission as a Second Lieutenant, you’ll start at about $56,000 a year with full health and dental coverage, moving expenses and 30-days paid vacation a year.

Tuition and fee payments are made directly to the SDSU Cashier’s office. The book money, monthly stipend, and room & board are directly deposited into the account of your choice. An ROTC scholarship is a smart choice for a rewarding future!

How to Apply

You can apply by enrolling in MSL 101, 102, 201 or 202 you have already started the Army ROTC Scholarship process. Pick up an application today in room 200 in DePuy Military Hall.

To qualify for the scholarship, you will take an Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), complete a physical exam and conduct an interview with the Professor of Military Science.

Scholarship Requirements

Be under 31 years of age when commissioned.
Be a U.S. citizen
Meet medical standards
Minimum high school GPA of 2.5
Minimum ROTC GPA of 3.0
Meet fitness requirements.
Be at least 17 years old.
Serve as an active duty officer for four years.

Estimate of Scholarship Benefits

SDSU Tuition and Fees = $35,663.00
Books = $3,600.00
ROTC Stipend = $12,600.00
Advance Course = $850.00
Total = $53,000.00

How Much is a Scholarship Worth?

With an Army ROTC scholarship, you could have a job waiting for you after graduation–and significantly fewer loans to repay after graduation. In fact, you may not even have to hunt for a job after graduation. With an officer’s commission as a Second Lieutenant, you’ll start at about $47,000 a year with full health and dental coverage, moving expenses and 30 days paid vacation a year.

How to Apply

You can apply by enrolling in MSL 101, 102, 201 or 202 you have already started the Army ROTC Scholarship process. Pick up an application today in room 200 in DePuy Military Hall.

To qualify for the scholarship, you will take an Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), complete a physical Exam and conduct an interview with the Professor of Military Science.

Scholarship Requirements

Be under 31 years of age at commissioning
Meet Medical Standards
Minimum College GPA of 2.5
Retain an ROTC GPA of 3.0

Estimate of Scholarship Benefits

SDSU Tuition and Fees = $23,775.00
Books = $2,400.00
ROTC Stipend = $8,400.00
Advance Course = $850.00
Total = $35,425.00

Attention Active Duty Soldiers!

Here are six important reasons why you should consider Army ROTC at SDSU:

Acquire leadership skills necessary for college and all facets of your future.
ROTC provides students a great opportunity to build for the future; earn a bachelor’s degree and an officer’s commission at the same time.
Win a Green to Gold Scholarship that will provide you with up to $50,000 for college.
If you are not selected for a scholarship and still decide to enroll in ROTC, you may still receive the ROTC stipend and serve as a cadet in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP).
Army ROTC can give you the opportunity to attend schools such as Airborne, Air Assault, Mountain Warfare and Northern Warfare that you may have not had the opportunity to attend while on active duty.
SDSU has offered continuous military instruction since 1881. Thousands of our nation’s finest have commissions from SDSU Army ROTC. You can be one of them.

Who is eligible for a Green to Gold Scholarship?

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Green to Gold Scholarships are aimed directly at Active Duty Soldiers who are looking to further their education once off active duty. These scholarships are available in two, three and four-year awards. Soldiers that have already accumulated college credit are considered for scholarships based on how much school they will need to finish their degree.

What are the benefits of a Green to Gold Scholarship at SDSU?

Green to Gold Scholarship winners will receive either 100% tuition and fees paid or a $5,000 room and board allowance and receive $600 a semester to offset textbook expenses. Army ROTC students also receive a $420 stipend for a maximum of 10 months during each school year. On top of all that, you will receive the leadership and management training that you will need in order to serve as an officer in the active or reserve component of the U.S. Army.

What are my obligations as a scholarship winner?

Following graduation, commissioned officers are required to serve in the Active Army. This obligation may be fulfilled by serving four years in the active component and four years in the reserve component.

Can I obtain early release from active duty if awarded a scholarship?

AR 635-200, Chapter 3 provides for an honorable early discharge for enrollment in the ROTC program, up to 30 days prior to the start of the academic school year. The separation authority must ensure that you have met the scholarship criteria, served honorably and possess officer attributes. However, if there is breach of contract, you must repay the benefits that you have been awarded and return to active duty to finish your enlistment.

More information on the Green to Gold program

SMP - The Start of a Rewarding Career

South Dakota State University has offered the Simultaneous Membership Program for about 20 years. Many officers in the National Guard and Army Reserve got their start as an officer through the Simultaneous Membership Program.

As a member of the National Guard or Army Reserve, you have an opportunity to earn a college degree and an officer’s commission through a South Dakota Army ROTC program. Every National Guard and Army Reserve unit requires new officers to replace officers who have been promoted or change units. The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) ensures that quality officers are available to fill these vacancies.

With at least 32 credits accumulated toward graduation as a sophomore, or 54 credits as a junior, you can compete for a slot as a sophomore, or if in your junior year, simply apply for an SMP position in your present National Guard or Army Reserve unit. After approval by the unit commander and once all administrative actions are completed, cadets contract with a South Dakota Army ROTC program.

You will then attend ROTC classes and drill with your unit as an SMP cadet. During the summer between the junior and senior years, you will attend Advanced Camp at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. 4 year Minuteman scholarships are available for incoming college freshman. Talk with your recruiter for details.

Benefits of the SMP Program

As a SMP cadet, you will work under the close supervision of a unit commissioned officer and perform duties that require leadership, management and skills learned at military schools, your unit and Army ROTC. The numerous benefits of being an SMP cadet at South Dakota State University are:

Earn a commission while earning a degree.
Receive monthly drill pay as an E-5.
Retention of GI Bill benefits to include a $350 kicker.
Receive $420 as a sophomore, $420 as a junior and $420 as a senior per month from Army ROTC (10 months per year maximum).
Keep the National Guard 100% tuition reimbursement.
Receive Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) $4,500/year.
With good grades, apply for a Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) scholarship, 3-yr dedicated scholarship or 3-yr Minute Man scholarship.
Free ROTC tuition, books and supplies for ROTC classes and labs.
Attend Airborne, Air Assault, Sapper or Mountain Warfare schools.
Stay in the National Guard or Army Reserve during your SMP tenure.
Have a guaranteed Reserve Forces duty assignment after graduation.

The non-scholarship ROTC SMP cadet can compete for active duty service during the accessions process, which is accomplished at the beginning of the cadet’s senior year.

A Wise Choice for Your Future

The National Guard and Army Reserve need highly qualified and professional officers to lead units in the future. If you are in the National Guard or Reserve or are considering joining, then take advantage of this opportunity to earn a degree and a commission as an officer in the United States Army.

Experiences gained from Army ROTC classes, field training exercises and ROTC clubs combined with participation in National Guard or Army Reserve drill, Annual Training and schools prepare you to be an effective officer in the reserve component or on active duty. Your successful completion of Army ROTC will enhance your leadership, management, and other skills that employers are looking for!

These scholarships guarantee that commissioned Cadets serve in a specific component. The Dedicated scholarship is available for up to three years. All Dedicated scholarship students must participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) with an identified unit while in school.

Dedicated Army National Guard (DEDARNG)

Army National Guard only
Up to 3 years.
Must SMP w/ ARNG. Paid at the rank of E-5, approximately $300 per month, unless already in the ARNG and holds a rank higher than E-5.
Must serve with the Army National Guard after commission.
Pays 100% Tuition or pays $5,000/semester Room & Board.
All scholarships come with a $600/semester book allowance paid directly to the student.
Cadets are also paid a monthly stipend
Non-revocable.
Cannot use with Chapter 1606/1607, but may use Chapter 30/33

Dedicated Army Reserve (DEDUSAR)

USAR only.
Up to 3 years.
Must SMP w/ USAR. Paid at the rank of E-5, approximately $300 per month, unless already in the USAR and holds a rank higher than E-5.
Must serve with the USAR after commission.
Pays 100% Tuition or pays $5,000/semester Room & Board.
All scholarships come with a $600/semester book allowance paid directly to the student.
Cadets are also paid a monthly stipend
Non-revocable.
Cannot use with Chapter 1606/1607, but may use Chapter 30/33.

The Army ROTC GRFD Scholarship

The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarship is designed specifically for members of the Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve.

The scholarships, which are awarded to about 250 National Guard and USAR members nationwide each year, pay all tuition, fees, $600/semester for books and materials plus $420 per month subsistence pay. In addition to monthly drill pay as an E-5, this is the best university student financial opportunity available anywhere.

All of the benefits of an ROTC scholarship plus the benefits of the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) are included in this exciting opportunity for you, right here at SDSU.

A Great Opportunity

Army ROTC has always been one of America’s leading sources of scholarships, making awards to thousands of the highest caliber students each year. Again, this year, we’re offering scholarships to high quality, dedicated students who want to get ahead – and have most of their college expenses paid while earning a commission as an officer to remain in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve. SDSU has a great track record in helping students win this scholarship.

How to Be a Winner

Selection of winners is based on past academic performance, ROTC and university evaluations, extracurricular activities, work, leadership, athletic abilities and above all, the desire to be a future commissioned officer.

Are You Eligible?

The eligibility requirements are simple. You must be a member of the National Guard or Army Reserve, have two years remaining until graduation, a minimum GPA of 2.5, be a U.S. citizen, be medically and physically qualified, meet age criteria, be a full-time student and be recommended by your unit commander to be in the Simultaneous Membership Program.

What's in it for You?

In addition to helping you meet the high costs of college, the GRFD scholarship program provides experience that builds successful careers. You will get personal, scholastic and professional training no other college course offers. Best of all, you will graduate with a degree from one of the best universities anywhere with an impressive resume in leadership and a prestigious commission in the U.S. Army.

How Can I Qualify?

Be a member of the Army National Guard or Army Reserve
Discuss interest with unit commander
Interview with SDSU Army ROTC
Register for advanced Military Science classes
Provide the following documents:
1. Birth Certificate
2. Social Security Card
3. APFT Card (DA 705)
4. Copy of Transcripts

The Minuteman campaign aims to award GRFD scholarships to highly qualified NEW applicants and current reserve component Soldiers that represent the diversity of our nation and who strive to serve in the ARNG and USAR as commissioned officers. Personnel already enrolled or participating in the ROTC program are not authorized to receive a MM nomination. These individuals are encouraged to apply for a campus based GRFD scholarship to ensure GRFD resources are allocated appropriately throughout the command. The benefits are the the same as a Dedicated Scholarship. They are available as 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5 & 2 year scholarships.