Military Colleges in Pennsylvania - Suggestions?

Hello all, I'm currently exploring college options and I'm keen on attending a military college. Can anyone share their experiences about military colleges in Pennsylvania? What makes them stand out?

Pennsylvania is home to several reputable military colleges that provide programs designed to prepare students for careers in the armed services or related fields.

One institution you might consider is the Valley Forge Military Academy and College (VFMAC). It's a private military college situated in Wayne, a suburb of Philadelphia. The school offers a two-year associate degree and a one-year Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program. One standout feature of VFMAC is its leadership development program which focuses on building values, habits, knowledge, and skills necessary for success in life.

There's also the Penn State University's Army ROTC, known as the "Nittany Lion Battalion". It's a transformative experience where you can study any Penn State undergraduate major while also completing military science coursework. Successful students earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduation. What sets Penn State ROTC apart is the ability for Cadets to participate in a variety of extracurricular teams that include Ranger Challenge, Orienteering, Marksmanship, and Color Guard.

Next, we have the University of Pittsburgh's Army ROTC, or the "Panther Battalion". The ROTC program at Pitt is part of the university's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. The curriculum combines classroom instruction and practical application to develop students' leadership skills.

All three programs share an emphasis on leadership development, physical fitness, military training, and academics. However, each has its unique strengths and opportunities. Ultimately, you should consider your personal goals, interests, and the type of military career you desire when selecting a program. For example, if you desire a more intense traditional military college experience, VFMAC might be a better fit.

In contrast, if you are interested in combining military training with a more traditional undergraduate college experience, Penn State or the University of Pittsburgh might be more aligned with your goals.

Remember, visiting the campus and talking to current students can be a helpful part of your decision-making process.