Colleges with Military Programs

Hello all. I'm considering a career in the armed services after college, and I've been trying to find colleges that offer strong military programs. Can you guys suggest any institutions or what their programs typically involve?

Sure, there are a variety of colleges that cater to students interested in serving in the military. One great option is the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. Both of these institutions have prestigious programs that include full scholarships—in exchange for serving a minimum of five years active duty after graduation. These universities are extremely competitive and require a nomination to apply.

In addition, many universities across the country have Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs in partnership with the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. For instance, the University of Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are known to have strong ROTC programs. ROTC programs typically involve taking certain military science classes and committing to military training exercises while studying. Upon graduation, you're commissioned as a second lieutenant or ensign.

There are also Senior Military Colleges (SMCs) such as Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel, or Texas A&M. These colleges provide a corps of cadets experience and also offer a traditional path to commissioning.

Lastly, some colleges have programs in partnership with the newest branch, the United States Space Force. They are just starting to roll these programs out—University of Colorado Boulder, for example, is one of the first universities to offer a Space Force ROTC program.Added to this, many schools offer scholarships to students in their ROTC programs, which can help pay for tuition, books, and other expenses. For example, the Army ROTC offers full-tuition scholarships based on the time of enrollment in the program.

Remember that while these programs can be amazing opportunities, they do commit you to service after you graduate. It's important to carefully consider this commitment before signing up.