Illinois has some schools in the central and northeastern parts of the state that offer participation in Navy ROTC (NROTC). Compare and contrast some of the available 2- and 4-year institutions that offer the program.
School Comparison
| School Name | Institution Type | Location | Tuition (In-state, 2016-2017)* | Tuition Assistance/ Military Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois -- Urbana-Champaign | 4-year, public | Champaign, IL | $15,058 | Credit for military training, NROTC scholarships |
| Northwestern University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Evanston, IL | $50,855 | NROTC scholarships |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Chicago, IL | $45,214 | Credit for military training, NROTC scholarships |
| University of Illinois Chicago | 4-year, public | Chicago, IL | $13,664 | Credit for military training, NROTC scholarships |
| Parkland College | 2-year, public | Champaign, IL | $11,100 | Credit for military training, NROTC scholarships |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
Overview of Illinois Colleges with Navy ROTC Programs
The state of Illinois offers three unique NROTC programs, as well as participation through a few additional cross-town schools. Here, we discuss each school, its program and how its students participate.
University of Illinois -- Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois is the host school of a NROTC program that can result in the commissioning as an officer in the Navy or Marine Corps. Midshipmen in the program complete weekly drill instruction and a Naval Science course each semester. Each summer those on scholarship also participate in a 4- to 6-week training. Midshipmen pursuing commission in the Marines must also participate in the Marine Option Laboratory (MOLAB). Students may choose to be a part of Drill Team or Endurance Team. Students can also compete for national NROTC scholarships to help pay for expenses.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University is home to a NROTC program that also serves students at Loyola University Chicago. Midshipmen in the program can pursue becoming commissioned officers in the Navy's unrestricted line, the Navy Nurse Corps or the Marine Corps. Students in the program complete physical training, leadership labs and Naval Science courses. They may choose to participate in additional activities, such as Drill Team, Endurance Team, Color Guard, Military Ball and Dining-In. Students can compete for scholarships that help pay for tuition, fees and books.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Students at Illinois Institute of Technology can participate in NROTC to pursue commission as an officer in the Navy or Marine Corps. The program consists of Naval Science courses, physical training and Naval Science Lab, where students learn about the military and world issues. Midshipmen may also participate in Endurance Team, Color Guard Team, Drill Team, Military Ball and SULE (Small Unit Leadership Evolution) Lab. Students can compete for 2-, 3- or 4-year NROTC scholarships.
University of Illinois Chicago
Students at the University of Illinois Chicago can participate in NROTC through a cross-town agreement with Illinois Institute of Technology. Students in the program complete their Naval Science courses and labs on campus at Illinois Institute of Technology, but complete their academic coursework at the University of Illinois Chicago. Students entering the program must participate in a week-long orientation prior to the fall semester. They can also apply for national NROTC scholarships that provide a monthly allowance and pay for tuition, fees and books.
Parkland College
Students at Parkland College participate in NROTC through an agreement with the University of Illinois -- Urbana-Champaign. Students register with Parkland College, but complete all of their NROTC requirements at the University of Illinois' campus. Parkland students complete the first- and second- year coursework while attending Parkland. If students choose to transfer to a 4-year institution and commit to the third and fourth year of the program, they may be eligible for Illinois State ROTC Community College Transfer Scholarships.
