For information on deadlines and how to apply for Notre Dame NPP, please visit the Apply Now Page.
Purpose of the NROTC Preparatory Program (NPP)
The NROTC Preparatory Program (NPP) is designed to expand NROTC commissioning opportunities to produce more capable and representative Naval Officer Corps. NROTC Preparatory Scholarship Reservations (NPSR) support that mission by partnering with educational institutions to enhance underserved or disadvantaged scholarship applicants’ moral, mental, and physical foundations to prepare them for success in the NROTC program.
NPP only serves applicants who want to be commissioned as an unrestricted line Naval Officer. NPP selects will have to attend New Student Indoctrination (NSI).
The NPP Year
NPP students will spend an academic year at Holy Cross College, right across campus from Notre Dame. Holy Cross College offers outstanding resources that prepare students for the academic rigors of Notre Dame. Tuition, room, and board are sponsored by both the University of Notre Dame and Holy Cross College of Notre Dame.
The focus of the preparatory year will be strengthening the academic skills required for success in a STEM major at Notre Dame. These skills include study habits, time management, discipline, and prioritization. Although full members of the NROTC battalion, NPP Midshipmen Candidates are not activated NROTC Midshipmen.
This is a five-year Naval Officer Accession Program. Following a successful NPP year, NPP Midshipmen Candidates will have their 4-Year NROTC Scholarship activated. Thus, NPP applicants will fall under the normal 4-Year NROTC Scholarship requirements and benefits.
NPP Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet the requirements for the NROTC Scholarship and be highly motivated to excel in their preparatory year.
NPP students must:
- Pursue a STEM major, Tier 1 or Tier 2
- Maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA
- No grade lower than a B
- At least 15 letter-graded credit hours per semester
- No satisfactory/unsatisfactory or pass/fail classes will be permitted
NPP students that fail to meet the above requirements are not guaranteed a 4-Year NROTC Scholarship following their NPP Year.
NPP Physical Requirements
- Participate in physical training with the Battalion twice a week
- Pass a Body Composition Assessment (BCA)
- Pass a Physical Readiness Test (PRT)
Notre Dame NPP Requirements
To be considered for a 4-Year NROTC Scholarship, NPP students must be in good standing with the Notre Dame NROTC unit. Violations include, but are not limited to, aptitude, discipline, academic, and/or physical fitness.
NPP Medical Requirements
Following a successful NPP Year, NPP students will begin their 4-Year NROTC Scholarship process. This subjects all NPP applicants/students to the medical requirements of the NROTC Scholarship.
Service Obligation
After the completion of the preparatory year, the NPP Midshipman Candidate will be considered as a four-year NROTC scholarship student. The service obligation for NROTC Midshipmen is a minimum of five years after commissioning.