Thank You For Your Service- The ROTC or Service Academy Track

One of my favorite Annapolis traditions is Graduation Day at the U.S. Naval Academy. Every year, we gather on porches, boats, benches, and grassy fields to watch the Blue Angels soar overhead. The deafening roar that follows is a powerful reminder of the speed of sound—and the extraordinary talent and dedication behind those planes.While many assume the Naval Academy breeds future presidents, only Jimmy Carter holds the distinction of being both a Naval Academy graduate and a U.S. President. Surprisingly, Yale has produced more U.S. Presidents than any other school, earning its “Ivy of Choice” reputation for the White House.

Still, seeing the cadets walk through town reminds me how special it is to live in Naptown. It’s a privilege to witness these future leaders in action—dedicated to service, learning, and personal growth.

The Path to Service & College: Service Academies & ROTC

Graduation Day also highlights the incredible educational paths available through service academies and ROTC programs. These programs allow students to earn a top-tier education while serving their country.

Service Academies

Offer full tuition, partial costs, or even payment while attending.
Include prestigious institutions like the U.S. Naval Academy, West Point, and the Air Force Academy.
Require serious commitment to academics, service, and leadership development.

ROTC Scholarships

If the full service academy experience doesn’t feel like the right fit, consider ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps).

Earn college scholarships while training as a military officer.
Options vary by branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps).
Some schools offer full tuition, while others cover room and board.

Many colleges host specific ROTC programs, but not all branches are available at every school. Research is key—especially if you’re interested in specialized fields like nursing, medicine, or engineering.

Ready to Explore Service & College Options?

We can help. Understanding the application process, service commitment, and scholarship opportunities is crucial. Whether you’re considering a service academy or an ROTC program, we’ll guide you through every step.

Contact us today to learn more about these incredible opportunities—or just to talk about the next Blue Angels flyover in Annapolis. www.annapoliscollegeconsulting.com

Take a bite out of college admissions!

Below are lists of service academies from Wikipedia. At the bottom of the article is another great source of info from our colleague Lisa Rielage, IEC.

Federal Service Academies:

United States Military Academy (West Point, New York)
United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, Maryland)
United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
United States Coast Guard Academy (New London, Connecticut)
United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, New York)

Senior Military Colleges

Public Senior Military Colleges that also enroll civilian students
- The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina (Charleston, South Carolina; four-year public college)
- Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas; four-year public university)
- University of North Georgia (Dahlonega, Georgia; four-year public university)
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, Virginia; four-year public university)
Public Senior Military College with no civilian students
- Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, Virginia; four-year public college)
Private Senior Military College which also enrolls civilian students
- Norwich University (Northfield, Vermont; four-year private university)
- Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin University (Staunton, Virginia; four-year private university program)

State-supported maritime colleges and universities

Students at these academies are organized as cadets and graduate with appropriate licenses from the U.S. Coast Guard and/or U.S. Merchant Marine. While no longer immediately offered a commission as an Officer within a service have the opportunity to participate in commissioning programs like Strategic Sealift Officer Program (USN) and MARGRAD (USCG).