1) As a STA-21 applicant am I required to participate in the Corps of Cadets?
1A) No. All active-duty members wear NWUs to class and official unit activities, but are not part of the Corps of Cadets and are not required to live on campus. MIDN that apply from a civilian status or from a high-school student status are required to be a part of the Corps of Cadets and are required to live on campus all four years.
2) What are the NROTC scholarship benefits?
2A) The scholarship covers full tuition and fees for four or three years depending on when the student earns a scholarship. In addition, educational fees, uniforms, and a $250 per month tax-free subsistence allowance are paid by the Navy for midshipmen on scholarship while in attendance at the university as a freshman (+$50/month each additional year; i.e., $300, $350, and $400). The students are also given a $750 textbook stipend per year, which is deposited in equal payments at the beginning of each academic term.
3) What’s the catch? How long am I obligated after graduation?
3A) We have two categories of students. Our scholarship students are obligated for a minimum of five years of active duty after graduation and vary based on the designator. They accept the obligation at the beginning of their sophomore year. Our College Program (non-scholarship) students are obligated for three years of active duty after graduation. They accept the obligation at the beginning of their junior year if accepted to Advanced Standing status.
4) Are room and board covered under the NROTC scholarship?
Yes, in most cases. Click the link to learn more about The Citadel’s Service to Country Scholarship for room and board!
5) How do I apply for an NROTC scholarship?
Click here to start. The application typically opens in April and closes in December, for entry into the following year. For example, a high school senior applying for a 4-year scholarship would apply by December of their senior year and enter college the next fall.
6) What can I do in the Navy if I commission through ROTC?
You can be a Pilot, Naval Flight Officer, Surface Warface Officer, Submarine Officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer, or a SEAL.
7) Can I be an Intel Officer?
Not directly, you will have to serve a minimum time as an unrestricted line officer (as described above).
8) Can I be a nurse?
The Citadel does not have an NROTC approved nursing program. See https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/NROTC/Nurse/
9) What are my options for a scholarship and/or contract?
10) I took AP Calculus (or physics) and the Citadel gave me credit for Calc I and II, do I still have to take calculus for the Navy?
Yes. You must take at least one semester of calculus and calculus-based physics in the university environment to be eligible for commissioning.
13) What majors will give me a better shot at getting a scholarship?
Tier 1 majors: Any engineering not noted below. (Mech, EE are the common ones).
Tier 2 majors: Agricultural/Biological Engineering & Bioengineering; Architectural Engineering/Architectural Engineering Technologies; Astrophysics; Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology; Biomathematics & Bioinformatics; Biomedical/Medical Engineering; Biotechnology; Cell/Cellular Biology & Anatomical Sciences; Ceramic Sciences & Engineering; Chemistry; Civil Engineering/Civil Engineering Technologies; Computer Engineering; Computer Programming; Computer Science/Information Technology; Construction Engineering; Electronics & Communications Engineering; Engineering Mechanics; Engineering Physics; Engineering Science; General Engineering; General Science; Industrial Engineering; Manufacturing Engineering; Materials Engineering; Mathematics; Metallurgical Engineering; Microbiological Sciences and Immunology; Mining & Mineral Engineering; Nuclear & Industrial Radiologic Technology; Oceanography; Petroleum Engineering; Pharmacology & Toxicology; Physics; Physiology, Pathology & Related Sciences; Polymer/Plastics Engineering; Quantitative Economics; Statistics; and Textile Sciences & Engineering
14) How can I become a SEAL?
Ace the Physical Screening Test (PST), maintain an excellent GPA and notable leadership positions.
15) What are the eyesight requirements for being a pilot?
Correctable vision to 20/20.
16) My eyes do not meet the vision requirements, can I get LASIK or PRK and still be a pilot?
Yes, but there is some “cool-down” time your eyes need to undergo before commissioning (usually >6 months).
17) Does it help your chances of being a pilot if you have a civilian pilot’s license?
This will help your flight handling skills but not something the Navy looks at generally.