Joining the Naval ROTC (NROTC) program offers a unique blend of leadership training, academic excellence, and military preparation that can significantly enhance your future career prospects. As a cadet, you’ll combine your academic curriculum with military training, developing critical skills in leadership, strategy, and teamwork. The program also provides financial benefits, including scholarships, that can help offset your college costs. Beyond preparing you for a career in the Navy or Marine Corps, the discipline and experience gained through NROTC will make you a strong candidate for a wide range of professional roles in business, engineering, and public service. Join NROTC to build a solid foundation for your future, while serving your country and becoming a capable and confident leader.
Why join NROTC?
- Get a full tuition scholarship.
- Go on summer training cruises with Navy surface ships, aviation squadrons and submarines.
- Use your scholarship money to pay for tuition and fees or room and board.
- Receive a monthly stipend that increases as you move through your collegiate years.
- Choose from a wide range of career options, like nursing, aviation, surface warfare, submarine warfare and special warfare.
- Enjoy a traditional college experience while preparing to serve as a Naval Officer.
- Travel the world with purpose once you graduate while you lead a team as an Officer.
How to join
High School Seniors – Prior to January 1 of your senior year
If you intend to applying to join NROTC before January 1 of your senior year of high school, apply for a National NROTC Scholarship.
Officer Interviews for applicants to the NROTC national scholarship program are conducted Monday through Friday, between 8:30AM – 3PM. Specific interview times will be coordinated when the interview is scheduled. Officer Interviews are normally conducted in-person at the Iowa State NROTC offices. However, for those applicants who are unable to attend an Interview in-person, alternatives (e.g., Zoom/WebEx) can be arranged on a case-by-case basis. The Officer Interview is a significant part of the NROTC scholarship application process. Applicants are expected to arrive on-time, in appropriate business attire, and well-versed in the Navy and the specific warfare communities of interest. Interviews normally last 45-60 minutes. To schedule an Officer Interview, please contact [Susan Radke], the Navy’s University Secretary at 515-294-6050 or at srradke@iastate.edu.