ROTC accept or decline?

[kinnem]

We're thinking that DS may request a transfer of his ROTC scholarship to his "backup" school. This way, if something really horrible happens and he is no longer medically qualified for the military, he'll still be able to use his full tuition merit scholarship at the school. If he only has a temporary injury that prohibits him for beginning, or continuing, his basic after reporting to the Academy, but is a minor issue that would heal soon, then he can use the ROTC scholarship there to cover the room and board at his backup school and still use the merit scholarships for the tuition.

That sounds like a pretty good plan... not only for the injury reason, but many things can happen to cause someone to lose a scholarship over their time in college. I know everyone thinks it won't happen to them but plenty of kids decide it's not for them, or they make stupid decisions, as kids are prone to do, and lose it that way. My son's NROTC cohort started with 45 freshman... 10 were gone by the end of the first week.... they are standing at 20 (or less?) now. Some kids quit their senior year fully knowing they'll have to repay the scholarship. Go figure.

 

[Wilco]

We're thinking that DS may request a transfer of his ROTC scholarship to his "backup" school. This way, if something really horrible happens and he is no longer medically qualified for the military, he'll still be able to use his full tuition merit scholarship at the school. If he only has a temporary injury that prohibits him for beginning, or continuing, his basic after reporting to the Academy, but is a minor issue that would heal soon, then he can use the ROTC scholarship there to cover the room and board at his backup school and still use the merit scholarships for the tuition.

Question on plan. I understood some schools have provisions that their merit scholarship offers may be modified, reduced or rescinded if other scholarships (i.e. ROTC) are awarded? Assume it is school by school policy, did you clarify that with backup school? Also been advised if use ROTC for room and board (as opposed to tuition) then will be considered as income and either student or parent declares same for possible tax consequences?

Noticed ROTC options were northeast-clarkson, snow- pacific northwest-univ. portland, liquid sunshine, and west coast (santa clara) sun and surf, nice way to cover the potential climates.

 

[kinnem]

No doubt how a merit scholarship will be handled varies by the school. It might also depend on what the funds are slated for, which is usually tuition.

Yes, scholarship monies used to cover room and board are treated as taxable income. Only money used for tuition is "free". You'll see some folks debate this point, but it's certainly what H&R block teaches in their tax accountant courses and matches my own reading of the tax code itself.

 

[USMAROTCFamily]

We're thinking that DS may request a transfer of his ROTC scholarship to his "backup" school. This way, if something really horrible happens and he is no longer medically qualified for the military, he'll still be able to use his full tuition merit scholarship at the school. If he only has a temporary injury that prohibits him for beginning, or continuing, his basic after reporting to the Academy, but is a minor issue that would heal soon, then he can use the ROTC scholarship there to cover the room and board at his backup school and still use the merit scholarships for the tuition.

Question on plan. I understood some schools have provisions that their merit scholarship offers may be modified, reduced or rescinded if other scholarships (i.e. ROTC) are awarded? Assume it is school by school policy, did you clarify that with backup school? Also been advised if use ROTC for room and board (as opposed to tuition) then will be considered as income and either student or parent declares same for possible tax consequences?

Noticed ROTC options were northeast-clarkson, snow- pacific northwest-univ. portland, liquid sunshine, and west coast (santa clara) sun and surf, nice way to cover the potential climates.

Yes, we have confirmed with the school that their scholarships can be used for tuition with the ROTC Scholarship used for room and board. Theirs are purely merit-based, and no financial need component and will not be withdrawn.

 

[bookreader]

Thank you to the OP for posting this question. My son is in the same position. He first received a ROTC scholarship to VMI and then also an appointment to WP. This all happened this week, so we have much to learn. I'm begining my education on this forum. So much good advice here!