The five branches of the United States Military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard) provide unique career training and often generous financial aid programs for college.

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

ROTC trains men and women in college to become officers in the Army, Navy, Marines or Air Force.

ROTC is available at more than 1,000 colleges and universities. ROTC members take a full course load during college along with military science courses for officer training.

Once a week, ROTC members also undergo military drills, labs and other trainings. In addition, ROTC offers four-year scholarships for qualified members.

Upon graduation, ROTC members enter their specific service as officers and serve a designated tour of duty.

Service Academies

These academies provide an Ivy League-type education to a select number of qualified students.

• U.S. Military Academy
• U.S. Naval Academy
• U.S. Air Force Academy
• U.S. Coast Guard Academy
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Admissions are highly competitive and based on:

• Academic performance
• SAT or ACT scores
• Extracurricular activities
• Leadership and community involvement
• Work experience