What does the scholarship selection board look for?
Army Cadet Command evaluates applicants using Scholar / Athlete / Leader (SAL) criteria:
- Scholar — High school grades and SAT or ACT scores. Higher academics improve your chances.
- Athlete — Participation in sports, performance on the Physical Fitness Assessment, and meeting Army height and weight standards.
- Leader — Leadership roles in extracurricular activities (sports teams, clubs, volunteer work, scouting, church, part-time jobs, etc.).
The more extensive your leadership record, the stronger your application. Selection is competitive and based on how your file compares to the national applicant pool.
What does a typical scholarship recipient look like?
Based on a recent nationwide profile of Army ROTC scholarship recipients:
- 94% were in the top 50% of their class academically (71% in the top 25%)
- Average GPA around 3.75
- Average SAT (math + critical reading) around 1289
- 72% earned varsity sports letters; 64% were varsity team captains
- 18% were class officers; 17% were club presidents
- 27% participated in JROTC
These are averages—strong performance in one area can help offset another. Leadership and character matter heavily.
How competitive is the national scholarship?
In a recent application cycle, more than 7,000 high school senior applications were reviewed. About 3,000 applicants received a scholarship. Of those awards, roughly 25% were 4-year scholarships and 75% were 3-year scholarships.
What is the difference between a 3-year and a 4-year scholarship?
Cadet Command awards both through the centralized national board:
- 4-year scholarship — Benefits typically begin your freshman year (after you meet medical, fitness, and height/weight requirements).
- 3-year scholarship — Benefits typically begin your sophomore year, provided you remain in good academic standing, pass the fitness and medical requirements, and meet height/weight standards. Final activation is at the discretion of the Professor of Military Science at your host battalion.
Top candidates are generally selected for 4-year awards; other strong applicants may receive 3-year awards.
What does the scholarship pay?
Army ROTC scholarships generally cover:
- Full tuition and fees or room and board (up to a capped amount, depending on the option)
- $1,200 per year for books
- A tax-free monthly stipend (currently $420/month while in school for contracted scholarship cadets)
You may still be eligible for Trevecca institutional aid in combination with an ROTC scholarship—confirm details with Trevecca Financial Aid and the enrollment officer.
What is the service obligation after I commission?
Any Army commission (Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard) carries an 8-year service obligation.
- Active Duty path: Often 4 years full-time Active Duty, with the remaining obligation in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) or continued service.
- Reserve / National Guard path: Commonly 6 years of drilling (one weekend a month and two weeks annual training), with the balance in the IRR or continued drilling.
Exact options are discussed when you contract and again near commissioning. Enrolling in the Basic Course alone does not create a service obligation unless you accept a scholarship or enter the Advanced Course.
Can I get a scholarship if I am already enlisted?
If you are currently enlisted in the Army Reserve, National Guard, or another branch, you are generally not eligible for a standard (national high-school) Army ROTC scholarship. Instead, explore:
- Green to Gold options (including the Hip Pocket Scholarship) if you are active duty
- The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) if you are Guard or Reserve
- Campus-based or Guard/Reserve scholarship opportunities through the host battalion
See also the Tennessee National Guard for state opportunities.
When should I apply?
Rising high school seniors may typically begin the national scholarship application in mid-June after junior year. There are multiple board windows during senior year (often fall, winter, and spring). Start early—applications usually must be initiated by a published deadline (often early March of senior year) to remain eligible for the final board.
Apply at goarmy.com/rotc and contact the enrollment officer for current board dates and guidance.