You can enroll in Army ROTC or Air Force ROTC through North Central College and work towards a college education while receiving outstanding leadership training and preparation for a career as an officer in the U.S. Military. Tuition assistance and stipends are available for qualified applicants. North Central students are eligible to participate in the U.S. Army ROTC Rolling Thunder Battalion or the U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 195 leading to a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. This is the same rank as graduates of military academies. First-year students are welcome to participate in ROTC without committing to the post-graduation service requirement.
In addition to having the full undergraduate experience at North Central, cadets take one ROTC course per semester at either Wheaton College (Army ROTC) or the University of Chicago (Air Force ROTC). Twenty credit hours of military science (Army ROTC) or 14 credit hours of aerospace studies (Air Force ROTC) course work is accepted in transfer credit toward your North Central degree.
ROTC Room & Board Grant
North Central ROTC cadets receiving the Army ROTC full-tuition scholarship or Air Force ROTC Type 1 or McGee Leadership Award scholarships through the Department of Defense may be eligible for a North Central ROTC Room & Board Grant of up to $10,000/year.
U.S. Army ROTC— The Rolling Thunder Battalion
The purpose of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is to enable college students to pursue a course of study which will qualify them, upon graduation, for appointment as officers in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve or National Guard. Army ROTC is focused on leadership development, both in the classroom and field environments. Army ROTC cadets at North Central participate in the Rolling Thunder Battalion (located seven miles from our campus at Wheaton College) with leadership lab on Thursdays from 3:30 - 6 p.m. and military science courses on Thursday evenings. Cadets also participate in physical training* on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday mornings 6 - 7:15 a.m.
U.S. Air Force ROTC— Detachment 195
The mission of Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC) is to develop quality leaders for the Air Force and Space Force. Students who become cadets can earn a commission in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force while pursuing their baccalaureate degree. AFROTC cadets at North Central participate in Detachment 195 located at the University of Chicago (30 miles from our campus and accessible via public transportation). Air Force ROTC students gain an understanding of fundamental air and space concepts and principles, and a basic understanding of associated professional knowledge. Students develop a strong sense of personal integrity, honor, individual responsibility and an appreciation of the requirements for national security. North Central cadets participate in physical training* and take classes on Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings.
ROTC Cadet Testimonials
Read firsthand about the experience of being a ROTC cadet at North Central College.
To learn more about the ROTC program at North Central College contact: Julie Carballo, Assistant Dean for First-Generation, Transfer & Veteran Initiatives 630-637-5155 | ROTC@noctrl.edu
