- The Air Force's Reserve Officer's Training Corps, commonly referred to as ROTC, is offered at 141 accredited post-secondary institutions. Students enroll in ROTC programs and thereby become eligible for full scholarships at their institution. However, students who accept ROTC scholarships incur a service obligation to the Air Force. In exchange for a free education, ROTC students must sign a contract promising they will serve four, six or eight years in the Air Force upon graduation.
- The U.S. Air Force Academy does not charge tuition, room or board. However, students accepted to the USAF academy incur service obligations to the Air Force. Generally, this is an eight-year obligation that cannot be waived. Students live, work and attend school on the campus grounds. Upon graduation from the USAF Academy, students transform into airmen and are given a direct commission to serve as officers in the U.S. Air Force.
- Both ROTC and USAF Academy students are expected to maintain grade point averages of 3.0 or better while fulfilling all academic obligations in their individualized degree plan. Basic courses such as English, mathematics and science are required. Electives, which vary by institution, are also required. Students who graduate with an associate's degree may serve as commissioned officers in the Air National Guard or USAF reserve component, while those who earn a bachelor's degree may serve on active duty status.
- USAF ROTC students can expect to be paid a stipend of up to $500 per month while they are enrolled in full-time courses. ROTC students do not pay college tuition and receive a textbook allowance each year. Most lab fees are also covered through the ROTC program. Students may elect to live on-campus or in their own living quarters.
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