Frequently Asked Questions
Who can I contact to learn more about the University of Michigan NROTC?
For more information or answers to specific questions regarding the NROTC Program, please contact LT Eric Nord, the Freshman Advisor, at [email protected].
Any questions relating to Midshipman life, please reach out to our Midshipman Recruiting Officer, MIDN Evans, at [email protected].
More frequently asked questions can be found on the Navy’s ROTC Scholarship website here.
What is NROTC?
The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) is a scholarship based commissioning program. Individuals in the program (midshipman) receive full tuition scholarships and are commissioned as officers in either the United States Navy or United States Marine Corps.
How and when do I apply for a scholarship?
The scholarship application opens April 1st of your junior year of high school and closes December 31st of your high school senior year. You can find the application for both Navy and Marine Option Midshipmen here. This site also includes a checklist to ensure you complete all items necessary to be eligible for the scholarship.
During the application process, you will need to participate in an officer interview. This interview can occur at the NROTC unit closest to you. You can schedule an interview at the University of Michigan NROTC unit here: application.
Individuals in college with less than 90 credit hours may apply for a 2 or 3 year scholarship through their University’s NROTC Unit.
What is NROTC?
The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) is a scholarship based commissioning program. Individuals in the program (midshipman) receive full tuition scholarships and are commissioned as officers in either the United States Navy or United States Marine Corps.
What are the financial benefits of the NROTC program?
The NROTC Scholarship covers full tuition at the University of Michigan. In addition, each scholarship students receives:
- Uniforms
- $375 towards books each semester
- Monthly stipend of $250 for first years (freshmen), $300 for second years (sophomores), $350 for third years (juniors), and $400 for fourth year (senior) midshipmen.
- NROTC pays for students’ initial transportation from home to school and from school to summer cruise training
Although NROTC does not cover room and board expenses, students are eligible to receive financial aid if needed. All questions regarding financial aid should be directed to the University’s financial aid office. It is important to note that 2009 amendments to the Higher Education Act provide that ROTC scholarships are not to be considered in determining cost of attendance or expected family contributions in evaluating a student’s eligibility for federal financial aid. Schools should treat NROTC scholarships as a veteran’s benefit and not as a scholarship.
What is the difference between NROTC and the Naval Academy?
While both are means of being commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy, NROTC gives individuals a traditional college experience unlike the more regimented lifestyle of the Naval Academy.
Are there NROTC commitments outside of the school year?
Yes, scholarship students attend additional training during the summer. This training, termed “Cruise”, puts midshipman onto Navy bases and ships and provides more hands-on experience.
How do I apply for college program?
The college program is a way for non-scholarship students to participate in the unit while working towards earning a scholarship. One applies for the program by contacting the unit directly and submitting a college program application. Application deadline and requirements can be found on the “College Program” tab under “Prospective Students”
Can I join the University of Michigan NROTC while attending a school other than the University of Michigan?
The University of Michigan NROTC is only open to students at the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University.
Can I pick what job I want to do when I graduate?
Navy-option midshipmen have the opportunity to rank their preference for warfare community assignment during the summer before their senior year. However, preference is second to needs of the Navy. Many of the warfare communities are competitive and midshipmen must work hard to achieve a high ranking to make themselves competitive for these communities. You may choose from the following jobs:
- Surface Warfare Officer
- Surface Warfare Officer – Nuclear Option
- Naval Aviator and Naval Flight Officer
- Submarine Officer
- Limited options for: Explosive Ordnance Disposal, SEAL, Information Warfare, Oceanography, Engineering Duty Officer
Marine-option midshipmen do not select their community (MOS) until completing The Basic School following commissioning, but they do have the opportunity to apply for a flight contract before commissioning.
What is my military obligation after graduation?
Navy Option scholarship students are required to serve a minimum of five years of active military service upon graduation. Additional requirements may be required for specific job assignments. This obligation is accepted at the beginning of the sophomore year.
Marine Corps Option scholarship midshipmen will be required to serve at least four years on active duty.
College Program (Advanced Standing) students are obligated for three years of active duty after graduation. They accept the obligation at the beginning of their junior year.
How do I join the University of Michigan Naval ROTC unit?
Individuals in high school may apply for an NROTC scholarship and select the University of Michigan or Eastern Michigan University as one of the colleges they wish to attend. Individuals will also have to apply for and be accepted by the college they choose.
Individuals in college with less than 90 credit hours can join by applying for a 2 or 3 year scholarship through the Unit.
Those who did not receive an NROTC scholarship may apply for the college program.
What is the difference between NROTC and Officer Candidate School (OCS)?
OCS commissions individuals as officers after they have already attended college and received their degrees. NROTC is during college and, in turn, pays for college tuition, unlike OCS.
What is the weekly schedule of someone in NROTC?
Beyond normal classes, midshipman attend multiple Physical Training (PT) sessions per week, a Naval Science class, and a weekly two hour drill period. The unit also offers many extracurricular activities including but not limited to Drill Team, Competition Color Guard, Endurance Team, and Intramural Sports.
Can I Become a Nurse in the Navy at the University of Michigan NROTC Program?
Students interested in becoming a Nurse in the Navy can apply to the University of Michigan Nursing Program and receive a NROTC Scholarship. For more information please read more here.
Can I Become a Doctor and go to Medical School in NROTC?
Students interested in becoming a Doctor in the Navy can apply for the NROTC Navy Pre-Med Program Option. Navy Pre-Med requires a minimum of a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale, minimum SAT of 1300, or ACT of 28. For more information please read more here.