NROTC - Good news, bad news...

T

tienchieh

5-Year Member
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Nov 17, 2009
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The good news is that my DS just got an email telling him he was awarded an NROTC 4-year scholarship. The bad news is that it was slotted to his second choice university - University of Colorado Boulder. His first choice is VA Tech. He is accepted to both universities in Engineering program, and has some other scholarships from both school as well. We live in Virginia, so Tech is in-state.
Now, the question: We know NROTC scholarship covers full tuition for in-state, but not sure if it covers ALL out-of-state tuition? The answer to this question dictates our approach.
If the scholarship covers full out-of-state tuition, then Colorado is doable. We plan to accept the scholarship and immediately request for a transfer to VA Tech. We already paid the deposit to Tech and will pay the deposit to UC Boulder. If transfer granted, he'll go to Tech. Otherwise, he'll go to UC.
If the scholarship only covers in-state tuition, then going to Tech without scholarship is still cheaper than go to UC with scholarship. He'll then go to Tech and enroll their college program. He'll prepare to compete a 3-year or 2-year scholarship in Tech.
Good approach? Is there any other options? Advice is much appreciated!! Please!
 
You didn't mention if your DS was accepted to the Corps of Cadets which is a separate application process. ROTC students are required to be members of the Corps. You probably know all this and he's already been accepted to the Corps but I thought I would mention it just in case.

Boulder is a great place to be and a much less monastic environment than VA Tech. But if he really wants the SMC experience then VA Tech is the way to go, if at all possible.
 
Thank you, kinnem.
Last night while my DS and I were trying to map out the path, we actually encountered some other questions.
My DS is accepted to Tech's Engineering program, but is not accepted to UC Boulder's School of Engineering and Applied Science. He is accepted to UC's School of Engineering and Arts. In the letter, it said after 2 or 3 semesters he can transfer to School of Engineering and Applied Science based on his class selection and grades. My son DS will pursue the Mechanical Engineer degree as he planned. But, at the meantime, our concern is that if this situation will affect the NROTC scholarship in any way? Thanks!
 
If finances are not a concern, go to the program that he will enjoy the most. Its getting late in the game so not sure how many transfers would be left. They are 2 entirely different programs SMC vs Boulder. My DD graduated last year from the law school in Boulder and is still there(she loves the area), DS was NROTC at UVA so we know both areas. If you have a chance go visit CU and see the unit. Good luck and congrats.
 
Tienchieh,
The best place to get information is each unit.
Be open and frank with them. They will give you the best guidance.
OS
 
it is fairly common that students start in a "pre-engineering" tact and then transfer to the actual engineering school.
it makes the schools numbers look better since fewer drop out.
 
Agree with OldSalt: your DS would not be the first NROTC scholarship student who must "earn" a way into the Engineering school (perhaps they all do - depends on the school). The Colorado NROTC unit will be able to advise.
 
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