Prospective Students
Prospective Student Information
Our Unit
The George Washington University NROTC unit is composed of over 100 Midshipmen, Marine Corps Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) students, and Navy Seaman to Admiral (STA) program Officer Candidates, drawn from George Washington University, Georgetown University, Howard University, and Catholic University of America.
MECEP Information STA (Navy Officer Candidate) Information
What Is a Midshipman?
A Midshipman is a college student enrolled in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Program (NROTC). A Midshipman's ultimate goal through NROTC is to attain a commission into the United States Navy and Marine Corps. NROTC Midshipmen are required to complete the course of study prescribed by their college or university, in addition to several Naval Science courses. Due to the increasing complexity of today's Navy, Navy Option Midshipmen must complete the equivalent of two semesters of calculus by the end of their sophomore year and two semesters of calculus-based physics by the end of their junior year.
What Happens After Graduation?
Upon graduation, NROTC Scholarship Program Midshipmen are commissioned as Ensigns in the Navy or Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Midshipmen without scholarships may also receive a commission through the College Program. Navy Option Midshipmen may be commissioned into one of four primary unrestricted line officer communities: Aviation, Surface, Submarine, or Special Warfare. Marine Corps Officers attend The Basic School (TBS) after college, where they will then receive their Military Occupational Speciality (MOS).
What Is the College Program?
The College Program allows students interested in joining NROTC as a “Walk On”College Program students receive uniforms and Naval Science textbooks at no cost and participate in all NROTC activities alongside their scholarship peers. They have no immediate service obligation until selected for a scholarship or Advanced Standing, a path towards commissioning as an officer without a scholarship.
Scholarship Opportunities
College Program students may be nominated for a three-year scholarship after successful performance during their first full year in the program (Marine Option Midshipmen are eligible after their first fall semester). Students not selected for a three-year scholarship may be re-nominated for a two-year scholarship the following year.
Once selected for a two- or three-year scholarship — also known as a "side-load scholarship" — students begin receiving a stipend, full tuition, fees, and other benefits equivalent to national scholarship recipients. These benefits are not retroactive.
Advanced Standing (Navy)
College Program students who do not receive a side-load scholarship may still commission into the Navy through Advanced Standing. This option allows eligible students to complete the four-year program and commission without a scholarship.
Midshipmen on an Advanced Standing contract receive a monthly subsistence allowance of $350 during their junior year, increasing to $400 during their senior year. All uniforms and NROTC course materials continue to be provided at no cost.
Note: While calculus and physics are not requirements for College Program students, they become requirements upon selection for a national scholarship.
For more information, visit the NROTC College Program page.
How to Join as a College Programmer
Entering in the First Semester (Fall): Enroll in NSC 1051 — Introduction to Naval Science, either before classes begin or by submitting an RTF form through GWU.
Entering in the Second Semester (Spring): Enroll in NSC 2126 — Sea Power and Maritime Affairs, either before classes begin or by submitting an RTF form through GWU.
Once enrolled, prospective students should reach out to the 4/C (Freshman) Advisor for further information.
New Student Indoctrination
New Student Indoctrination (NSI) is a physically demanding 2.5-week indoctrination course hosted at the Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes. NSI is designed to provide standardized basic military instruction to Midshipmen Candidates. This course will facilitate the successful integration of new students into Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) and college life. NSI is the first step required towards activating the NROTC scholarship.
NOTE: Prospective None Scholarship Students Are Eligible To Attend, Contact Unit Staff For More Information)
Additional NSI Information can be found here
Scholarship Activation
After Completing NSI, NROTC Scholarships cannot be activated until the Midshipman successfully completes the Navy Physical Readiness Test ( PFT for Marine Options) and a physical exam. More information on these pre-requisites can be found here
Further Questions?
Please Contact Us
2035 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20052
Phone: 202-994-5880
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