Applicant Resources

Two Paths Into NROTC

There are two different ways to become a Midshipman, depending on whether you're applying in high school or already enrolled in college.

Path 1: National Scholarship (apply while in high school)

This is the most common path. High school students apply for a four-year NROTC scholarship through the Navy's national application process — not directly through the Capital Battalion. If awarded, the scholarship covers full tuition and fees and includes a monthly stipend, in exchange for a service commitment after graduation.

High School students interested in applying for a 4 year NROTC scholarship should refer to this website for additional information.

Path 2: College Program (join after you're already enrolled in college)

If you're already a student at The George Washington University, Georgetown, Howard, or Catholic University and didn't receive a national scholarship, you can still join NROTC through the College Program. This path has no upfront scholarship and no immediate service obligation, but sets prospective students on a path to compete for sideload (3 and 2 year) Scholarships.

Free uniforms and Naval Science textbooks
Full participation in all NROTC activities, training, and events alongside scholarship students
Eligibility, after your first full year in the program (or first fall semester for Marine Option students), to be nominated for a three-year scholarship
If not selected, you can be re-nominated the following year for a two-year scholarship
Once selected for either scholarship (called a "side-load scholarship"), you begin receiving the same stipend, tuition, and fee coverage as national scholarship recipients — though these benefits are not retroactive
If you're never selected for a side-load scholarship, you may still be able to commission through Advanced Standing: you complete the full four-year program and commission into the Navy without ever holding a scholarship. Advanced Standing Midshipmen receive a monthly subsistence allowance ($350/month junior year, $400/month senior year) plus free uniforms and course materials.

How to enroll in your first Naval Science class as a College Programmer:

Starting in the fall? Register for NSC 1051 (Introduction to Naval Science) before classes begin, or submit an RTF form through GWU.
Starting in the spring? Register for NSC 2126 (Sea Power and Maritime Affairs) before classes begin, or submit an RTF form through GWU.

Once you're enrolled, contact to the unit's 4/C (Freshman) Advisor for next steps.

Those interested in applying to the NROTC program can find all listed requirements in this website , providing the baseline requirements for scholarship requirements, Unit Standards vary, and are stated in the “Program overview” Tab.

Where Can I Apply?

The Capital Battalion is a single NROTC unit made up of students from four schools. To apply, you must attend, or be on track to attend, one of the following:

The George Washington University (GWU) — the "home" campus, where all Naval Science classes and most training is held
Georgetown University
Howard University
The Catholic University of America (CUA)

For further application inquiries, please contact our email: [email protected]

What Happens After You're Accepted

All Midshipman, scholarship or College Program must attend New Student Indoctrination (NSI) before or at the start of their first semester. NSI is a physically demanding 2.5-week course that provides standardized basic military instruction and is required in order to activate an NROTC scholarship. College Program Midshipmen are also eligible to attend NSI; reach out to the unit point of contact for details on how to arrange this.

Benefits of the National Scholarship include:

100% tuition and required fees
$750/year for a book stipend
$250/month stipend for ten months as a freshman; increases $50 per year
Uniforms
Midshipmen pay during summer training periods (normally 4 weeks)

Further Questions? Please Contact Us.
2035 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20052
Phone: 202-994-5880
[email protected]