Did Not Receive AROTC VMI Side Load Scholarship

DS just contacted me and said he did not receive the AROTC Sideload Scholarship at VMI---which is a bummer since we are WAY out of state and just now recovered from this years' tuition. We did do the FAFSA again this year so hopefully that will be of some assistance. DS stated that he was told he qualified to contract but when I asked what that meant-he told me to quit asking questions. So, I will ask here in case someone can fill me in....since DS is not financially self sufficient, it is sort of important for us to know as parents. Not helicoptering but the bank stops here if you get my drift...SIGH

Did you complete the FAFSA application last year?

Just to be clear - the FAFSA doesn't actually provide you with aid. It is simply a tool to qualify one for Federal Grants (normally PELL) and/or Federal Loans. Direct loans are the most common loans available to students and there is a cap of $6500/yr for second year students.
You need an EFC between 0-5273 to qualify for any Pell - it decreases as the EFC rises.

Whether or not you receive a need based grant from VMI is up to their financial aid office.
Each family who completes a FAFSA becomes eligible for a PLUS loan which is a parent loan.
Which leads me to my next point - kids should not be attending a college they and their family cannot afford on the hope of winning a ROTC scholarship. It's makes for very stressed finances, the possibility of having to drop out and if there are loans they all have to be paid back.

I am sorry you and your son are in this situation.

Yes, the FAFSA has been turned in for a couple of months now and DS got financial aid for his first year at VMI (concluding next month). Just bummed that the side-load didn't pan out for next years' tuition.

Sideload?

Was this a sideload scholarship or an AD 3?

Sideload...DS is a 4th. He mentioned that he was told he was qualified to contract but when I asked what that meant I was told to quit asking questions. Sheesh!

easter2 said:

Sideload...DS is a 4th. He mentioned that he was told he was qualified to contract but when I asked what that meant I was told to quit asking questions. Sheesh!

Click to expand...

When a cadet becomes contracted he will receive the ROTC Stipend. Contracting also means that as long as a cadet abides by the terms of the contract they will commission.

$300.00 per mo. Freshman
$350.00 per mo. Sophomore
$450.00 per mo. Junior
$500.00 per mo. Senior

Non scholarship cadets that are contracted receive no Tuition, Fees, of Book Money.

I apologize that I do not know the inner workings of VMI, but it is my understanding that non scholarship cadets cannot contract until they begin their junior year unless they are a SMP cadet.

Are non scholarship VMI ROTC cadets allowed to contract before their junior year if they do not receive a scholarship.

On a side note, you are definitely not in any sense of the word helicoptering. Your paying for school, you should get answers to your questions regarding money issues.

I think I would have responded to the "Quit asking questions" with "OK we'll quit sending Money" Sounds like student loans may be in your son's future.

State schools can offer a great education, ROTC, and affordability. A cadet at a state school with in state tuition can be successful in ROTC, commission, and receive active duty with hard work and dedication without putting themselves or the parents in huge debt.

^ agreed.

One thing to think about - I am NOT giving advice here - is that IF your son should choose to enlist in the National Guard in VA and become a SMP cadet he will receive in-state tuition.
If you aren't familiar with the SMP program - there are lots of discussions concerning the pro/cons on previous threads.