Are there any NROTC program rankings?

JP2019TP

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How does one choose?

We have "heard" that Villanova and Notre Dame both have excellent NROTC programs. But what about all the others? Our son is interested in playing a Varsity sport in college while also going NROTC.

Do you suggest he look at the soccer program & school first or the NROTC reputation?

And how would you quantify which ones are better than others?
 
OP: There is no national ranking of NROTC programs that I am aware of. Unit reputations are fleeting... the professional military staff turns over approximately every 3 years. This is why I would not pick a school based on the NROTC unit's reputation (if you could even assess what those reputations are)

I won't say it can't be done but it is rare that someone can go to a top level school, major is a STEM major, play a D1 sport and successfully handle the demands of NROTC. It happens but isn't that common when looking at the entire NROTC population.
 
OP: There is no national ranking of NROTC programs that I am aware of. Unit reputations are fleeting... the professional military staff turns over approximately every 3 years. This is why I would not pick a school based on the NROTC unit's reputation (if you could even assess what those reputations are)

I won't say it can't be done but it is rare that someone can go to a top level school, major is a STEM major, play a D1 sport and successfully handle the demands of NROTC. It happens but isn't that common when looking at the entire NROTC population.

Top part is spot on.
Disagree with the bottom part depending on the unit. Some support D1 sports, at those units, it is easy and they typically have multiple athletes.
Another question to ask when looking at a unit, ask to talk to an athlete.
OS
 
My DD did AROTC at a cross town unit, competed at the Division I level while majoring in Bio-Chemistry. The best advice is to talk with the cadre and the coaching staff. Their has to be give and take by all parties to make it work.
 
Just to be clear: my point about doing it all (STEM, sports, ROTC) was that it is relatively rare and takes a lot of give and take by all as noted. It also takes a particular set of skills and capability by the individual. I know there are countless examples of people who have done this but I still hold that is the exception rather than the rule.
 
Just to be clear: my point about doing it all (STEM, sports, ROTC) was that it is relatively rare and takes a lot of give and take by all as noted. It also takes a particular set of skills and capability by the individual. I know there are countless examples of people who have done this but I still hold that is the exception rather than the rule.

I agree completely and was just advising that it can be done and it is best to be upfront with all parties. If you bring it up to your coach an get a blank stare, it's probably not going to work well. DD was blessed with a coach that really took his role as developing young women into adults and was completely focused on winning a National Championship. Remember the commercial about most student athletes "going pro". His response when she told him she was leaving after a year for USMA was priceless. It was something like "Why are you crying, this is amazing and we should be celebrating".
 
How does one choose?

We have "heard" that Villanova and Notre Dame both have excellent NROTC programs. But what about all the others? Our son is interested in playing a Varsity sport in college while also going NROTC.

Do you suggest he look at the soccer program & school first or the NROTC reputation?

And how would you quantify which ones are better than others?

Interesting issue-I would agree you have to focus on the school-BUT some schools tend to be much more supportive of ROTC. Villanova ROTC has tremendous support from the University and Augustinian Friars.
 
How does one choose?

We have "heard" that Villanova and Notre Dame both have excellent NROTC programs. But what about all the others? Our son is interested in playing a Varsity sport in college while also going NROTC.

Do you suggest he look at the soccer program & school first or the NROTC reputation?

And how would you quantify which ones are better than others?

Interesting issue-I would agree you have to focus on the school-BUT some schools tend to be much more supportive of ROTC. Villanova ROTC has tremendous support from the University and Augustinian Friars.
I totally agree with this. When my DD was looking at colleges, there was a vast difference on various campuses in regards to the support of ROTC programs at each of them. Some embrace it and others tolerate it. Notre Dame has a special relationship with NROTC. https://www.nd.edu/features/history-of-nd-and-military/
 
Know it's a way late response but might as well put the information out. Choosing an NROTC may come down to what community you want to join. For example NC State has a high Nuke selection rate. Old Dominion University, where I go, has a high pilot selection rate. I would talk to each school and see if they will give you number about each community.
 
Some NROTC programs will provide information on how many of their Mids get their first choice of warfare community. For example, at Minnesota, they specifically mention on their web site that in most years, everyone gets their warfare community of choice. I don't know how many ROTC units publish this type of info.
 
How does one choose?

We have "heard" that Villanova and Notre Dame both have excellent NROTC programs. But what about all the others? Our son is interested in playing a Varsity sport in college while also going NROTC.

Do you suggest he look at the soccer program & school first or the NROTC reputation?

And how would you quantify which ones are better than others?

Interesting issue-I would agree you have to focus on the school-BUT some schools tend to be much more supportive of ROTC. Villanova ROTC has tremendous support from the University and Augustinian Friars.
I totally agree with this. When my DD was looking at colleges, there was a vast difference on various campuses in regards to the support of ROTC programs at each of them. Some embrace it and others tolerate it. Notre Dame has a special relationship with NROTC. https://www.nd.edu/features/history-of-nd-and-military/

I can echo the special relationship and the history at ND. Proud mom of Ensign currently in flight school via ND NROTC program and proud mom of a Midshipman currently in the ND program. Strong university and on campus support. It does go both ways the ROTC also gives back to the University. I would also agree to pick the University first, it has to be a good fit because the course load will be rigorous...with a STEM major and Naval Science classes, both of my sons averaged 20 credit hours per semester. Throw in clubs, community service, intramurals, fitness, ROTC responsibilities increase each year, football weekends, homework and studying...its important that the school is the right fit or it could become a struggle. It's been an incredible journey and experience for us. Love the ND program. God, Country, Notre Dame.
 
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