FAQ

Q: What is Navy ROTC?
A: The Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) is a program designed to educate and train students for service as commissioned officers in the United States Navy or Marine Corps. It combines college coursework with military training to prepare midshipmen for leadership roles in the Armed Forces.

Q: What are the requirements?
A: Navy ROTC midshipmen must complete the academic program prescribed by their college or university, in addition to taking several naval science courses. Navy option midshipmen are required to complete:

• Two semesters of calculus by the end of their sophomore year
• Two semesters of calculus-based physics by the end of their junior year

This ensures midshipmen are prepared for the increasing complexity of today’s Navy.

Q: What programs are available?
A: Navy ROTC offers programs for students pursuing careers as officers in the Navy or Marine Corps. These include the following:







Q: Where can I find Navy ROTC?
A: Navy ROTC programs are available at colleges and universities across the United States. Visit our NROTC Schools page to find a university that works for you.

Q: What is expected of me in Navy ROTC?

A: Midshipmen are required to:

• Complete their college's course of study
• Take additional naval science courses
• Meet academic requirements, including calculus and physics

These expectations prepare midshipmen for the challenges of Naval and Marine Corps service.

Q: What happens after graduation?
A: Midshipmen who complete all academic and Navy ROTC requirements are commissioned as Ensigns in the Navy or Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps. In certain cases, midshipmen may temporarily be commissioned into the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Non-scholarship midshipmen may also receive a commission through the College Program.

Q: What do I owe the Navy or Marine Corps after graduation?
A: Scholarship midshipmen incur a service obligation upon activation of their scholarship. If they withdraw or are disenrolled after the obligation point, they must either:

• Serve active enlisted service
• Reimburse the Navy ROTC program for costs incurred

The obligation point is:

• For first-year, incoming freshmen: 01 September of their sophomore year
• For others: The date the scholarship is activated (contract signed)

 

To defer NROTC debts for up to eight years (e.g., for degree completion or enlistment in the Armed Forces), contact the Defense Finance and Accounting System (DFAS) Center Debt and Claims Management Office. Submit a ticket at DFAS Customer Service or call 1-888-332-7411.

Termination:

Debt termination procedures vary for enlisted and commissioned personnel:

1. Enlisted Personnel: Submit the following to the address below:
   • A letter to DFAS via NSTC N93 requesting debt cancellation
   • A statement of service from the current command on command letterhead reflecting a minimum of two years of honorable active service
   • A copy of DD-4 (enlistment contract)
2. Commissioned Personnel: Submit the following to the address below:
   • A letter to DFAS via NSTC N93 requesting debt cancellation
   • A copy of the individual’s commissioning oath

Correspondence Address:

Naval Service Training Command (N93)
320A Dewey Ave, Building 3, Room 106
Great Lakes, IL 60088-2911

Note: Approved requests are forwarded to DFAS for debt termination. The process typically takes about 90 days.