very true kinnem.
It just seems strange to me it work that way. I know some AFROTC cadets that got money back, but wasn't from their scholarship. What actually occurred was they had to take a stafford loan to make up the difference, between the scholarships (AFROTC and Merit) and the bill owed. The college than cut them a check back.
I would read both the ROTC paperwork very closely and the merit paperwork.
Not saying it can't happen, just saying as a taxpayer, with a child that is an O1, and was a spouse of an ADAF officer, now retired for 20+ yrs, to me, if AROTC is doing this, and not the college merit money being cut, I would consider this FRAUD, WASTE and ABUSE.
If I was a parent at the college, I would also consider this FRAUD, WASTE and ABUSE. It makes no sense to me that they would lessen their endowment for every student that has more merit money than the school costs. A free ride is one thing, paying them several thousand to attend is different.
FWIW, our DS's college has a great scholarship program for high end caliber students, they paid all costs, and gave them an Ipad, laptop, books, and a monthly stipend. That was concurrent, with ROTC. I have no issue with that, because it wasn't a check back in the end and they didn't cut a check since both ROTC and the school were paying for the books. They submitted the original receipt...their choice to give it to ROTC or the college, but only one would pick up the books since both required the original receipt. Many cadets use the college and not ROTC due to the fact AFROTC capped at 900 per yr.
Just my opinion, and honestly good on you for getting this golden opportunity, because as you can see via other posters it is a rarity to get a free ride, but more so when you are getting a monthly stipend, book allowance and get to keep whatever is left in the account come May. Can we all say car payments on SJU's dime?