Any discussions with anyone who asks me about ROTC Scholarships and going to out of state private (very expensive) schools is to ask them "can you and your family afford the cost of tuition without that scholarship? When we get into discussions, I always try and gently bring into the discussion that there are quite a few ways that even if you get that prized scholarship, that the student COULD run into problems.
1. Academic Issues, especially for engineering types
2. Physical Fitness issues (not meeting standards for fitness or weight)
3. Unit discipline issues (fighting, drinking especially underage, failure to maintain military bearing)
Any type of major medical issue is likely to be resolved with the student not owing anything to the service, unless it is involves misconduct. But if something akin to the above reasons happen the student could be on the hook to either the college or the service (or both). I have had discussions with members here, and friends looking for a way to join and get an education and I have seen the results of someone who chooses say and IVY League or expensive private school, ends up leaving (after being paid scholarship money) and suddenly gets notified that their scholarship is denied or cancelled and they now owe the school for last semester's tuition, and room and board!
I always try and make sure the student and families understand and take into account that "bad things can happen to good people" and to try and not start a career with a huge debt. Have a Plan B, and if waiting for a waiver, speak with the school, your unit, and your parents about options should that scholarship disappear. If possible, as a Freshman, see if the unit and school have any agreements regarding school based scholarships for that year while waiting, or if disenrolled for any reason continuing school there.