My DS is at a Xtown school in the NROTC. The main school did not offer a Cyber Defense degree. His commute is only about 6 miles, though. This means more time needed to get to PT and Navy class, then rushing back for regular classes. Money for gas, parking, etc. he is able to carpool most of the time. I believe he gets just as much out of NROTC, but it takes more effort & no one cuts the Xtowners any slack. He attends only some of the social activities but not because of the drive. He could have gotten in a dorm specially for ROTC but chose not to. His reason was to have a foot in both worlds, and a variety of friends.
Some students really need a Scholorship to help pay for college. But, as mentioned above, if possible go with the branch which appeals to you. My DS started out AFROTC but decided he wanted to be a Marine. He was able to get a scholorship. With an ACT of 27 & a non-tech major, in AFROTC, he probably would have not. And most definitely everyone should make their future degree the priority as a job outside the military will be needed by most at some point in time.