NROTC Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where do I send my application?
2. What SAT or ACT scores do I need to get a scholarship?
3. What expenses does the scholarship cover?
4. Can I join NROTC without a scholarship?
5. Can I major in anything I want?
6. Can I take Naval Science classes if I'm not in NROTC?
7. Can I become a Navy Doctor or Dentist through NROTC?
8. Can I get a pilot or NFO guarantee?
9. I am on active duty, can I live in base housing?
10. How long will it take to complete all requirements of the application?
11. When is the deadline to apply for the national scholarship program?
12. Are scholarships awarded to Navy and Marine Corps options alike?
13. Does the NROTC program offer any assistance to students taking such courses as calculus or physics?
14. If I am pursuing a technical major do I have to graduate in four years to receive my commission?
15. Can a student lose his or her scholarship after arriving to OU?
16. Do I have to wear a uniform as a NROTC student?
17. How much time does the NROTC unit require outside of my university class work?
18. Will the NROTC program take away from "the college experience?"
19. How long do I commit myself to serving in the Navy or Marine Corps upon graduating?
20. Where can I park to tour/visit the Armory?

1.  Where do I send my application?

The application for the four-year national scholarship is completed entirely online at the Navy's Official NROTC website. You can contact the OU NROTC staff if you need assistance filling it out. If you are applying for any of the other scholarships listed on the scholarship page, please send the application directly to:

Recruiting Officer
University of Oklahoma Naval ROTC
290 West Brooks Street
Norman, OK 73019-6022

2.  What SAT or ACT scores do I need to get a scholarship?

For Navy Option students, the minimum scores are (SAT) 530 Verbal and 520 Math; or (ACT) 22 English and 22 Math. For Marine Corps Option students, a minimum of 1000 composite on the SAT or 22 composite on the ACT is required.

3.  What expenses does the scholarship cover?

The NROTC scholarships cover full tuition and fees, and a book allotment for $350 per semester. In addition students receive a stipend of $250-400 per month, depending on academic year.

4.  Can I join NROTC without a scholarship?

You bet. Students may apply for what is called the College Program. The eligibility requirements for College Program students are identical to those for scholarship candidates. In addition, you may continue to participate in a drilling reserve unit while participating in the College Program. College program students who demonstrate exceptional academic and physical fitness performance are normally nominated for a scholarship after completing at least one semester with NROTC.

5.  Can I major in anything I want?

Yes, although the Navy is technically oriented Navy and encourages technical majors, you may pursue a degree in anything that you would like. There are some requirements which you may have to take in addition to your degree requirements. For example, all Navy Option Midshipmen with a scholarship must take two semesters of calculus and two semesters of physics. The unit does provide free tutoring in both subjects to ensure your success.

6.  Can I take Naval Science classes if I'm not in NROTC?

All registered students at OU are allowed to take Naval Science classes. The Naval Science Department offers courses in everything from naval history to leadership and ethics and the instructors actively encourages students who are not in NROTC to enroll in their classes. Check out the course descriptions online or better yet, call us and talk to us about what we have to offer.

7.  Can I become a Navy Doctor or Dentist through NROTC?

Yes, but it is not easy to do. Only a maximum of 25 students from around the country will be selected to the Navy's Medical Program each year, out of approximately 900 total NROTC students nationally. The vast majority of NROTC students are commissioned as warfare officers. There are no  medical only  scholarships, therefore, if you accept an NROTC scholarship, you agree to enter into the service community that best suits the needs of the Navy. Most likely, this will be a warfare community (Surface Warfare, Aviation, Submarines, SEALS, etc.).

8.  Can I get a pilot or NFO guarantee?

Marines and Marine Option Midshipmen can sometimes get a flight guarantee providing they meet all the physical requirements and achieve a satisfactory score on the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB). Navy midshipmen will not select their warfare specialty until their Senior Year.

9.  I am on active duty, can I live in base housing?

Yes, this is one of the most attractive features of our unit for active duty sailors and marines. Nearby Tinker AFB has base housing, a hospital, commissary, exchange and much more. The base website is http://www.tinker.af.mil/

10. How long will it take to complete all requirements of the application?

You should plan on it taking about two weeks. You will be required to provide the names of high school teachers and a guidance counselor who can evaluate your performance in high school. Additionally, you will be assigned a recruiter who will be required to interview you.

11. When is the deadline to apply for the national scholarship program?

You may begin applying in August of your senior year. The sooner you submit your application the better chance you have to be selected. Selection boards met every few weeks. The most competitive students are selected first so if you have a strong academic background but not excellent it would be in your best interest to get your package in as soon as possible. This will ensure that your package gets reviewed multiple times. The latest packages are accepted has traditionally been 31 January for the upcoming college year.

12. Are scholarships awarded to Navy and Marine Corps options alike?

Yes, scholarships are awarded to students who have either Navy or Marine Corps preferences.

13. Does the NROTC program offer any assistance to students taking such courses as calculus or physics?

Yes, the NROTC unit hires a tutor that assists any of our students who need additional help with calculus and physics.

14. If I am pursuing a technical major do I have to graduate in four years to receive my commission?

No, students pursuing degrees such as mechanical engineering or other technical majors routinely petition and are approved to obtain their degrees in either four and a half or five years.

15. Can a student lose his or her scholarship after arriving to OU?

Yes, a student may lose his or her scholarship based on poor performance in the classroom, as a result of no progress being made in their physical fitness level, or by displaying poor potential for leadership growth.

Students receive many different chances to improve upon their deficiencies. Students are routinely counseled by upper class midshipmen and also their class advisors. Finally, a student who is in jeopardy of losing a scholarship stands before a Performance Review Board (the board is comprised of NROTC staff members) and this board forwards a recommendation to the Commanding Officer in the unit. The taking away of a scholarship (dismissing the student from the program) is a last result in many attempts to correct behavior that has not been improved.

16. Do I have to wear a uniform as a NROTC student?

Yes, on certain days students will be required to wear a uniform. Most of the time, however, students are in civilian attire just like the majority of their peers on campus.

17. How much time does the NROTC unit require outside of my university class work?

Generally, you can plan on taking a three credit hour Naval Science course every semester you are here. Some programs like the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Program are not as Naval Science course intensive. Additionally, each NROTC student will be enrolled in drill. Drill runs from 3:30 - 5:30pm every Tuesday and Thursday. Drill affords an opportunity for additional military instruction, physical fitness time, and time for the unit to get to know one another. Finally, NROTC students work all home football games on Saturday (in other words free tickets to all Sooner home games) which generates the revenue that allows our drill team to travel to competitions (we generally compete in a competition in New Orleans that just so happens to coincide with Mardi Grais) and also rifle and pistol competitions.

18. Will the NROTC program take away from "the college experience? 

No. NROTC can only enhance the college experience. Here we will work on developing you as future leaders in the military. Additionally, every NROTC student has a class advisor (very similar to a guidance counselor) that coaches the student along their journey towards a commission. This is something that the average college student simply does not receive.

19. How long do I commit myself to serving in the Navy or Marine Corps upon graduating?

Upon graduating and receiving your commission you are obligated to four years of active duty service in the Navy/Marine Corps. If you choose to leave the military after four years, you also incur a four year commitment to the Inactive Ready Reserve.

20. Where can I park to tour/visit the Armory?

Parking is available on Asp next to Gaylord Memorial Stadium. To validate the parking go to the front office in the Armory and obtain a pass from the secretary.