Indiana is home to numerous institutions that offer Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) programs to interested college students. The options include both private and public schools and vary in tuition, military benefits and other factors. Here we discuss a handful of the available schools in Indiana that offer AFROTC programs.
School Comparison
| School Name | Institution Type | Location | Tuition (In-state, 2022-2023)* | Tuition Assistance/ Military Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University- Bloomington | 4-year, public | Bloomington, IN | $11,447 | Credit for military training, AFROTC scholarships |
| Indiana State University | 4-year, public | Terre Haute, IN | $9,732 | Credit for military training, AFROTC scholarships |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Terre Haute, IN | $54,602 | AFROTC scholarships |
| University of Notre Dame | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Notre Dame, IN | $60,301 | AFROTC scholarships |
| Purdue University - Purdue Polytechnic Institute | 4-year, public | West Lafayette, IN | $9,992 | Credit for military training, AFROTC scholarships |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
Overview of Indiana Colleges with Air Force ROTC Programs
Students wanting to participate in an AFROTC program during their college studies in Indiana have several different schools to choose from. Although many of the requirements of the programs are the same, the programs differ in size, prestige, the student activities offered and more. Explore the similarities and differences between some of the available programs below.
Indiana University- Bloomington
Indiana University- Bloomington is home to AFROTC Detachment 215, which scored in the top 10% of detachments that were rated 'highly effective' by AFROTC headquarters in 2016. Cadets in their first and second years of the program commit at least six hours per week in the form of Aerospace Studies courses, Leadership Lab and physical training. After successfully completing four years in the program, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force with a minimum commitment of four years, depending on your career. Interested students can apply for AFROTC scholarships as high school students or as college students as long as they have at least six semesters left in their college career.
Indiana State University
Indiana State University's College of Technology offers 4-year and 3-year AFROTC programs, as well as a military leadership minor. The last two years of each program are for students who completed field training the summer before their junior year; the field training involves physical training, weapons and survival training and leadership training. Students in the AFROTC program may choose to join professional organizations, including the Arnold Air Society and/or Silver Wings for civic leaders. Cadets can pursue In-College Scholarships, as well as those for particular majors, such as health professions.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology offers the traditional 4-year and modified 3-year and 2-year AFROTC programs for interested students. All college students are welcome to participate in the program concurrently with their studies and will be commissioned as an Officer in the Air Force at the conclusion of the program. Students can compete for national scholarships that cover tuition and offer financial assistance towards books and school fees, as well as a monthly stipend. Additionally, Rose-Hulman offers financial incentives for students who have earned AFROTC scholarships to attend the university.
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame offers the AFROTC Detachment 225, also known as 'The Flying Irish'. The program serves six additional schools in the surrounding area and offers a 5-day New Cadet Orientation for those beginning the program. Students participate in the standard Aerospace Studies coursework, Leadership Lab and physical training. Cadets may choose to participate in a number of student organizations, including Honor Guard, Arnold Air Society and intramural sports. Students are eligible to compete for 4-year high school senior/graduate scholarships or 3.5- to 2-year In-College scholarships.
Purdue University- Purdue Polytechnic Institute
Purdue University is 'Home of the Boilermakers', the AFROTC Detachment 220. The detachment has won the High Flight award numerous times for best large detachment in a given region and consists of about 130 cadets. The program offers a 14-credit Aerospace Studies minor, in addition to the traditional program with Aerospace Studies courses, Lead Lab and physical training. Cadets in the program can compete for national AFROTC scholarships, as well as scholarships offered at the local level.