(Printable Version of Financial Benefits)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation has increased by 84 percent over the last 20 years. The cost of tuition, fees, and room and board at both public and private colleges and universities grew at a rate much faster than inflation. The College Board recently reported that those costs have tripled from $3,791 in the 1985–1986 academic year to $12,796 this year for students at public universities. That has led to the average student graduating with a bachelor’s degree and a $20,000 student loan debt. The Army ROTC at Illinois State University offers you several alternatives to student loans. If awarded a scholarship, the Army will pay your full tuition (up to 18 credit hours per semester), provide $900 per year for books and lab fees, and give you up to $500 per month stipend while school is in session. E-mail for information concerning scholarships
Army ROTC offers 2, 3, and 4-year Nursing scholarships to qualified individuals at a "Partnership in Nursing Education" program. This scholarship guarantees service in the Army Nurse Corps upon graduation and commissioning. In addition to Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State, Illinois Wesleyan has a Nursing program and offers Army ROTC in a partnership with Illinois State University. Visit the U.S. Army ROTC Web site for more information.
The Green to Gold Scholarship is for active duty Soldiers who have are toward the end of their initial enlistment. These scholarships are available for a duration of 2, 3, or 4 years. For additional information please visit the Army ROTC Incentives Web page.
Reserve Officer Association (ROA) Scholarships
Non-Scholarship Students: Students can participate in ROTC without a scholarship and will receive stipend benefits during their junior and senior year while pursuing their degree.
With the Illinois National Guard grant, you can become eligible to attend any Illinois state funded university or community college of your choice, tuition free, for up to 4 years. The grant can be used for a maximum of 8 semesters (12 quarters) or the equivalent for either full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate study.
To qualify, you must meet the following:
Are you a member of the National Guard or the Army Reserve and desire the opportunity to earn a commission in the Active or Reserve Forces? If so, the SMP Program is for you. This two to three year program is for actively drilling reservists or guardsman who desire to serve as officers. You can enter into a SMP Contract at the beginning of your sophomore year. Some of the benefits include the following:
You are not required to have a scholarship to be in ROTC. Those who do not receive scholarships may still enroll in ROTC, complete college, and embark on an Army career as an officer in the Reserve, National Guard, or Active Duty. Non-scholarship cadets are eligible to receive a monthly stipend of $300-500 their junior year upon contracting with Army ROTC. Additionally, non-scholarship students are eligible to compete for Army schools such as Airborne School, Air Assault School, and Northern Warfare School.
For further information on four-, three-, or two-year scholarships please email us at or call (309) 438-5572.
Please click here for information about State Tuition Waivers.
Illinois veterans and Illinois National Guard members are eligible for other scholarship benefits. Cadets in the Army Reserve or Illinois National Guard can earn GI Bill benefits as well while serving in their units and attending ROTC classes at the University.
