Military Options

Every branch of the military sets its own standards for enlisting. Below is a breakdown of general eligibility requirements:

Citizenship and residency

U.S. citizens and some non-citizens can join the military. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must:

• Have a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

• Speak, read, and write English fluently

Age limits

Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty:

• Air Force: 17 - 42

• Army: 17 - 35

• Coast Guard: 17 - 41

• Marine Corps: 17 - 28

• Navy: 17 - 41

• Space Force: 17 - 42

17 year-old applicants require parent consent. Talk to a recruiter to learn more.

Education and testing requirements

ASVAB testing 

Everyone who wants to enlist in the military must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Each branch sets its own minimum score to join. Your score will help decide which jobs you can do after you enlist.

Contact a recruiter, who can help you set up a time to take the ASVAB and tell you about the scores you will need.

Education requirements

You must have a high school or general equivalency diploma (GED) to enlist in the military. There are fewer spots for GED holders to enter the military. If you have a GED, you will have a better chance of joining if you have:

• Earned college credits

• Scored higher on the ASVAB

You must have a degree from a four-year college to join as an officer.

Physical and medical requirements

A medical exam is part of the enlistment process. The exam will assess if you are healthy enough to serve in the military.

Each branch requires recruits to be physically fit. You will have to pass a physical fitness test as part of your enlistment process. Speak with a recruiter to find out the physical requirements for the branch you want to join.

What are Service Academies? U.S. Service Academies are highly selective colleges operated by the federal government that prepare students to become military officers. Students receive a fully funded education that includes academics, leadership development, military training, and physical fitness programs. In exchange, graduates commit to serving as commissioned officers in the military after graduation.

Service academies combine the experience of attending a four-year college with intensive leadership and military preparation. Admission is competitive and typically requires a strong academic record, demonstrated leadership experience, physical fitness qualifications, and, for most academies, a congressional or other authorized nomination. Click here to learn more and check out the individual links below if there is a specific academy you are interested in.

U.S. Military Academy

U. S. Merchant Marine Academy

U.S. Naval Academy

U.S. Coast Guard Academy

U.S. Air Force Academy

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test is required for students choosing to enlist in the military.
Read more about this test by clicking HERE.

Research the ASVAB online and connect with a recruiter to:

• Find out where to take the test

• Get tips for taking the test

• See sample questions from the 10 sections

• Understand ASVAB scores

What Is an ROTC Program?

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a college-based leadership and military training program designed for students who are interested in earning a college degree while preparing for future military service as an officer. Students enrolled in ROTC take military science courses and participate in leadership development, physical fitness training, and hands-on learning experiences alongside their regular college coursework. Upon successful completion of the program and fulfillment of service requirements, graduates are commissioned as officers in their respective military branch.

What Types of ROTC Programs Are Available?

There are three primary ROTC programs available to college students in the United States:

• Army ROTC – Offered at hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide, preparing students for service as officers in the U.S. Army.

• Naval ROTC (NROTC) – Prepares students for officer careers in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps.

• Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) – Prepares students for service as officers in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force.

Each program provides leadership training, professional development, and opportunities for scholarships, while allowing students to pursue a wide variety of academic majors and career interests.

ROTC programs versus applying directly to the military

Students interested in military service have multiple pathways available after high school. One option is enrolling in a college-based ROTC program, which allows students to earn a college degree while receiving leadership training and preparing for service as a commissioned officer after graduation. Another option is to enlist directly in the military after high school and begin active-duty service, job training, or other military opportunities right away.

Both pathways offer unique benefits and considerations. ROTC can provide a traditional college experience, leadership development, and potential scholarship opportunities, while direct enlistment allows students to enter the workforce immediately, gain specialized training, and begin earning military pay and benefits sooner. ROTC graduates typically enter the military as officers, while those who enlist begin their careers in enlisted ranks and may pursue leadership opportunities through experience and additional training.

Neither option is inherently better than the other—the right choice depends on a student's individual goals, interests, financial situation, career aspirations, and postsecondary plans. Students are encouraged to explore all available options and speak with school counselors, college representatives, military recruiters, and family members when making this decision.

ROTC Scholarships

Students can apply for ROTC/NROTC scholarships.  A student may receive a merit-based scholarship covering all or part of college tuition in exchange for active military service after graduation of college.

Students with a Minimum ACT score of 22 or an ASVAB score of 74 may apply.  (1000 SAT score)

The typical standard for scholarship reward is a 24/25 ACT score or an ASVAB score of 80.

Other things considered for ROTC scholarship are: Volunteer Work, Sports/Club involvement

If a scholarship is granted and recipient feels the military training program and military is not an option for them, they can withdraw from the agreement at any time.  If they drop from the program at the end of the first year, the money does NOT have to be paid back.  AFTER THE FIRST YEAR, a student who drops from the program will have to pay the scholarship amount back.

How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?

Students interested in ROTC scholarships typically apply during their junior or senior year of high school. Applications are submitted through the ROTC program of the military branch they are interested in joining (Army, Navy/Marine Corps, or Air Force/Space Force).

Scholarship applications may consider:

• Academic performance

• Leadership experience

• Extracurricular involvement

• Interviews

• Medical and fitness qualifications

Students should also apply for admission to colleges that offer or partner with ROTC programs.

Important: Students do not need a scholarship to participate in ROTC. Many students join ROTC after enrolling in college and may qualify for scholarships later.

Because requirements and deadlines vary by branch, students are encouraged to research programs early and speak with their school counselor and ROTC representatives for the most current information.