College Resources

Military Schools

The Military offers unique educational opportunities for students who plan to pursue a college degree. These options — service academies, senior military colleges and maritime academies — offer world-class education and a deeper understanding of military culture. In addition, these schools grant full tuition in exchange for a period of service commitment.

Learn More: including overviews of the service academies, senior military schools, maritime academies, and each category compared "by the numbers"

Service Academies

For students who want to a military environment while getting a college education, the five service academies offer a fully-funded tuition that includes books, board and medical and dental care. Graduates of all academies receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned as officers in their respective Service branches. After graduation, they are obligated to serve a minimum of five years active duty and three years on a reserve option.

Army: US Military Academy (West Point)
Navy & Marines: US Naval Academy
Air Force & Space Force: US Air Force Academy
Coast Guard: US Coast Guard Academy
Merchant Marine: US Merchant Marine Academy

Senior Military Colleges

Similar to service academies, senior military colleges (SMCs) offer a combination of higher education and military instruction. They are among the most prestigious and famous education institutions in the world, and they offer financial aid packages for eligible students. Every SMC cadet must participate in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program, but only those cadets who receive an ROTC scholarship are required to enter military service following graduation.

Maritime Academies

The United States Merchant Marine is the fleet of civilian-owned merchant ships that carry cargo and passengers on behalf of the United States. In times of war, the Merchant Marine is an auxiliary to the Navy and can be called upon to transport service members and supplies for the Military. Maritime academies produce shipboard officers for vessels integral to shipping and transportation needs, but a service commitment is not always required.

6 Maritime Academies across the USA

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a leadership training and development program that prepares full-time, college-enrolled students for service opportunities in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force (the Coast Guard offers a similar program called the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative [CSPI]). Joining ROTC opens a door to professional skills development, scholarship opportunities and tuition assistance, and, upon completion, attaining the rank of officer. Today, ROTC is offered at more than 1,700 colleges and universities.

Learn More: including the benefits of joining, training and scholarships, and program across the services
Navy & Marines ROTC
- - List of Institutions with Navy ROTC Programs (Colleges & Universities)
Air Force ROTC
Army ROTC
Coast Guard Pre-Commissioning Initiative

Paying for College

The Military offers many educational benefits that service members can take advantage of during or after service. From financial aid and college funds to loan repayment programs, there have never been more ways for service members to afford and further their education.

Other Scholarship and Financial Aid Assistance Programs

Available to high school seniors (not just those intending to apply for an ROTC program, service academy, or maritime academy.)