The military has fostered higher education for service men and women since the original GI Bill of Rights was signed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1944. Today students can save money for college by participating in the Reserve Officer Training Corp or ROTC. ROTC programs function in each branch of the military: Army ROTC, Navy ROTC, Air Force, and Marines.The ROTC program provides educational monies for college and graduate studies with special consideration for students pursuing careers in high demand. Students that are interested in the military option for college funding can speak with a guidance counselor or the ROTC office on their college campus for more information.

To participate in the ROTC scholarship program, students must meet eligibility requirements. Students are asked to pass physical and written exams and other tests as set down by each branch of the military. Enrollment in a school that participates in the ROTC program and satisfactory scores on college entrance exams is also a part of the requirements. The program is quite competitive so candidates need to be at the top of their game.

Students that participate in the ROTC program can receive two-, three-, or four-year scholarships. Scholarships pay for ROTC supplies and fees along with a portion of college tuition. There are also full tuition scholarships for qualified applicants. Freshman students can try the ROTC for a year without making a commitment to the armed services. Decisions about military service come during junior and senior year.

In addition to the ROTC scholarship, cadets also receive a stipend worth up to $5,000 a year for the duration of their college career. In exchange for the scholarships, students make a commitment to serve in the military for eight years after college as an officer or they can serve in the reserve corps while pursuing a civilian career. When students do not complete the ROTC program, the money that they have been given through college scholarship has to be paid back. Otherwise, the financial aid is not required to be paid back if the students keep to their commitment.

Some branches, like the Army ROTC have special scholarships for certain careers. Students pursuing careers in nursing, engineering, and physical sciences may qualify for extra benefits due to the need for their careers in the military and the world at large. This could be an excellent opportunity for career advancement as well as significant financial aid for the right student.

Applications for ROTC scholarships are usually due sometime in November of the applicant's senior year of high school if they are applying for a four-year scholarship. To be sure, contact the ROTC office at the school your student will be attending. Students that apply for other scholarships have until March of their freshman or sophomore year to get their applications turned in.

It is a good idea for those using the ROTC option for college funding to fill out the student financial aid form (FAFSA) also. Scholarships may not cover all financial costs of attending college. Students that change their minds about pursuing a military career will still need financial aid options for school.

Students that pursue the military option with the ROTC program take ROTC courses in addition to the classes within their major. ROTC will teach students leadership skills and teamwork. These students still participate in normal college extracurricular activities but they make time for ROTC activities as well.

The military is not for everyone. But, for those students that want a good education and are willing to serve their country as an officer, the ROTC program is a way to do both.