How many days a week do I have to wear my uniform to classes?
Midshipmen and Marine Options wear the uniform of the day on Wednesdays, when the battalion has drill that evening. The specific uniform varies by the battalion’s decision.
What does Physical Training consist of?
Navy midshipmen train with their company on Monday and with the full battalion on Wednesday. Marine Options train Monday through Thursday. Sessions consist of bodyweight exercises that build toward the Physical Readiness Test at the end of each semester.
What are the Navy-required classes, and what’s the minimum GPA standard?
See the Naval Science course catalog on the Life as a Midshipman page for the required sequence. Scholarship students must maintain a 2.5 GPA minimum; falling below a 3.0 results in mandatory study hours.
Can I join if I’m enrolled at Saint Mary’s or Holy Cross?
Yes — Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross students are welcome to participate in Notre Dame NROTC.
What’s the difference between a College Programmer and a Scholarship student?
Scholarship students receive Navy-funded benefits; College Programmers do not, but still participate fully as members of the battalion and may compete for a 2- or 3-year scholarship.
What can I do to prepare for the transition from civilian to ROTC student?
Train to pass the Physical Readiness Test before you arrive — a timed plank, a 2-minute push-up test, and a 1.5-mile run. Guidelines and a training guide are available on the Navy ROTC website.
Who should I contact if I’m interested in joining?
Visit the NROTC scholarship website for information on applying or for help locating and contacting a specific unit.
Does ROTC require me to pick a specific major?
When applying for a scholarship, you’ll select a major from one of three need-based tiers. Roughly 85% of scholarships go to students interested in tier one or tier two majors. More detail is on the NROTC scholarship website.
Are there ROTC opportunities or requirements over the summer?
Yes — a significant share of professional training happens during the freshman through junior summers, with each stage building confidence toward warfare community selection. See the Summer Training Milestones on the Life as a Midshipman page for details.
Is it possible to join ROTC without a scholarship?
Yes — students can join as College Program midshipmen, who receive uniforms and Naval Science textbooks but are not eligible for summer training or other scholarship benefits, and may apply for a 2- or 3-year scholarship once eligible.
Does ROTC cover the cost of textbooks?
ROTC provides $325 per semester for textbooks and other course materials.
What is the NROTC Prep Program?
The NROTC Preparatory Programs (NPP) Office works to expand opportunities and diversity among Naval Officers, supporting motivated students who need help closing preparedness gaps for selective STEM programs. Details are on the NROTC Preparatory Programs page.
What fitness requirements should I look forward to?
Military service is physically demanding and requires a healthy baseline of fitness. Physical and academic qualification are evaluated independently, but both must be favorable to receive a scholarship.
Does the NROTC scholarship cover room and board?
No — the NROTC scholarship does not cover room and board at the University of Notre Dame.
Who can I reach out to with questions outside of ROTC, or something I wouldn’t want to email an officer about?
Email the prospective student liaison through our Contact Page — they’re available for exactly that kind of question.