Army ROTC

Founded in 1917, the UD Army ROTC program stands as one of the oldest, continuously operating programs in the U.S. For more than a century, UD has developed leaders of character who have gone on to serve with distinction as commissioned officers in the United States Army. Our proud tradition reflects not only longevity but also measurable excellence. Our cadets do not just participate; they consistently outperform their peers across the nation.

We have built a reputation for leadership development that translates directly into top-tier results. During the past three years, 65.9% of our cadets finished in the top half nationally, with our most recent class reaching an impressive 76.7%. Our training model consistently produces elite talent: 36.9% of our cadets place in the national Top 25%, and an average of 15% earn Top Distinguished Military Graduate recognition each year. Our cadets regularly demonstrate this same standard of performance at the Army Ten-Miler, Ranger Challenge and other events, placing our program among the very best in the country.

Our program consistently ranks in the top 10 regionally across all performance categories. Recent honors include producing the top graduating class in the Midwest (2022) and receiving the General MacArthur Award as the top program in the nation (2023).

At its core, UD Army ROTC is about preparing students for more than just military service, it's about building leaders for life. Officers commissioned through our program possess the confidence, adaptability, and ethical foundation to lead through the most demanding circumstances.

From your very first day on campus, joining UD Army ROTC means joining a family. Cadets at the University of Dayton form a tight-knit community built on shared values, teamwork and lifelong friendships. Whether training together at early-morning physical fitness sessions, competing on the Ranger Challenge team, or celebrating milestones as a group, you'll always have a support network by your side.

ROTC isn't just about wearing a uniform, it's about balance. You'll enjoy the full college experience, — from athletics to student organizations — while also gaining leadership skills that set you apart in any career field.

At UD, you're always a student first. We place a strong emphasis on academic success, connecting cadets with UD's extensive learning resources, tutoring support and study groups. To further ensure success, cadets are organized by academic major, creating built-in mentoring and peer support networks where upperclassmen can provide advice and guidance.

Along the way, you'll take on real responsibility, develop resilience and grow into a leader capable of guiding others through challenges, both in and out of uniform. Upon graduation, you'll have more than a degree — you'll have a career waiting for you as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, ready to lead Soldiers and make an impact.

'Ask a Cadet'

Are you curious what life as a cadet at UD is really like? Complete this form and a current cadet will reach out to answer your question.

Upon graduation, you will earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant with the opportunity to serve full-time on Active Duty or part-time in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve. Cadets can commission into any of 17 basic Army officer branches, including:

• Combat Arms: Infantry, Armor, Field Artillery, Air Defense Artillery, Aviation, Engineers
• Combat Support: Cyber Corps, Signal Corps, Military Intelligence, Military Police, Chemical Corps
• Combat Service Support (Sustainment): Quartermaster, Transportation, Ordnance, Adjutant General, Finance, Medical Service Corps

In addition to the basic branches, qualified cadets can pursue undergraduate and professional graduate programs into specialized branches such as the Nurse Corps, Chaplain Corps, Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG), and Medical Corps.

For more information about the different career opportunities, please visit goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs.

Leadership at the Army ROTC program extends beyond the classroom. Through dynamic labs and field experiences, you'll learn to apply leadership principles in real-world settings, gaining confidence and decision-making skills that can't be learned from a textbook alone.

Beyond campus, you'll have access to a range of training opportunities that broaden your perspective and strengthen your abilities. Each summer, you may attend specialized Army schools where you're challenged in areas such as mountaineering, advanced fitness and field leadership. Many also pursue Department of Defense internships, working directly with military and government leaders in areas such as engineering, cyber defense, logistics, and medical research. These experiences provide a unique professional edge, offering you the chance to apply their skills in meaningful, high-impact settings.

Global engagement is another hallmark of our program. You'll have the opportunity to travel across the United States and around the world, training alongside partner nations and experiencing diverse cultures first-hand. These experiences not only develop adaptability and cultural awareness but also build lifelong connections with fellow future leaders from across the globe.

Through these opportunities, you'll graduate with more than just leadership training, you leave with a portfolio of real experiences that prepare you to succeed in the Army and in any professional career you choose to pursue.

Army ROTC offers some of the most generous college scholarships available nationwide. At the University of Dayton, these awards can cover 100% of your tuition and fees, while also providing a monthly living stipend of $420 during the academic year and an annual $1,200 allowance for books and supplies.

To maximize the value for our cadets, the University of Dayton provides room and board funding for the full duration of any awarded Army ROTC scholarship; effectively turning a standard tuition award into a 100% full-ride scholarship.

Scholarship Pathways

Because every student's route to college is different, Army ROTC offers multiple flexible pathways to earn a scholarship:

• High School National Scholarship Program
  
  • For high school seniors preparing to enter college.
  • High school seniors can compete nationally for 4-Year and 3-Year Advanced Designee scholarships. This process evaluates academic performance, physical fitness, and leadership potential before you even step foot on campus.
  • Explore requirements and deadlines.
• Campus-Based Scholarships
  • For currently enrolled students at UD or our crosstown partner universities, as well as incoming transfer students.
  • You do not need a high school scholarship to earn funding. On-campus cadets can compete for campus-based scholarships covering 2, 2.5, 3, or 3.5 years of tuition. These awards are distributed based on your merit, college GPA, physical fitness, and participation in the battalion.
  • Explore current campus-based criteria.
• National Guard & Army Reserve Options (Simultaneous Membership Program)
  • For students interested in serving part-time or using state and federal military benefits while in college.
  • Through the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), cadets can serve in an Army National Guard or Army Reserve unit while simultaneously participating in ROTC. SMP cadets receive drill pay, potential state tuition assistance, federal tuition assistance, and the monthly ROTC stipend.
  • Minuteman Scholarship: Dedicated 2-year to 4-year full-tuition scholarships are available specifically for cadets committing to serve in the Reserve Component upon commissioning.
  • Review guard and reserve benefits through the National Guard ROTC Program or the U.S. Army Reserve Minuteman Campaign.

Graduate Debt-Free Without Immediate Obligation

High school students and non-contracted college freshmen can enroll in introductory military science courses (100- and 200-level) with zero military service obligation. This allows you to test the program, build leadership skills and compete for scholarships before committing to a contract.

Our cadre is ready to help you find the exact financial path that fits your academic goals. Contact our Recruiting Operations Officer to discuss your options or schedule a campus visit.

Military and Veteran Programs and Services is here to help veterans and military-affiliated students navigate the UD experience.