Students interested in participating in Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) programs in North Carolina have several different schools to choose from, ranging from location, tuition rates and military benefits. Below is a table comparing some of the school options in North Carolina that offer AFROTC programs.
School Comparison
| School Name | Institution Type | Location | Tuition (In-state, 2016-2017)* | Tuition Assistance/ Military Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina A & T State University | 4-year, public | Greensboro, NC | $6,372 | Credit for military training, AFROTC scholarships |
| East Carolina University | 4-year, public | Greenville, NC | $6,997 | Credit for military training, AFROTC scholarships |
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke | 4-year, public | Pembroke, NC | $5,816 | Credit for military training, AFROTC scholarships |
| North Carolina State University | 4-year, public | Raleigh, NC | $8,880 | Credit for military training, AFROTC scholarships |
| Duke University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Durham, NC | $51,265 | AFROTC scholarships |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | 4-year, public | Charlotte, NC | $6,763 | Credit for military training |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
Air Force ROTC Colleges in North Carolina
Each of the following schools offer AFROTC programs for interested students that share some similarities, but also differ in the activities offered and additional military benefits. Compare and contrast some of the program details here.
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina A&T State University is home to AFROTC Detachment 605, also known as the 'Screaming Blackbirds'. The program was established in 1953 and also serves several additional participating institutions. Cadets take AFROTC courses and participate in Leadership Lab, Physical Training (PT) and Field Training in the summer for three weeks. Students can choose to participate in Honor Guard or Pershing Rifles if they would like. The school offers several different AFROTC scholarship opportunities, along with a monthly, cash and tax-free stipend to use while on the scholarship or during the Professional Officer Course.
East Carolina University
East Carolina University has offered AFROTC Detachment 600 to interested students since 1948. This prestigious detachment offers a 4-year training program and has commissioned over 1,400 Second Lieutenants. The program includes Leadership Lab and AFROTC courses that cover an introduction to the Air Force and the evolution of U.S. Air Force air space power for new cadets. Students can apply for national AFROTC scholarships, and they are provided with a textbook allowance and a monthly cash stipend while school is in session.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke allows interested students to participate in AFROTC Detachment 607 that is housed at Fayetteville State University. Similar to other AFROTC programs, students complete two years of the General Military Course with their aerospace studies courses and two years of the Professional Officers Course, as well as Leadership Lab and Field Training. Courses include topics in Air Force leadership and management, national security and preparation for active duty. Students can compete for AFROTC scholarships that cover tuition and fees and offer living expenses allowances and book allowances.
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University offers an AFROTC program that is known as the 'Wolfpack Warriors'. The program includes the standard General Military and Professional Officers courses followed by laboratory and field training at Maxwell Airforce Base in Alabama and Camp Shelby in Mississippi. The 4-year program results in an Aerospace Studies minor and prepares students for their minimum commitment of four years in active duty. Cadets are eligible to apply for AFROTC scholarships, but are more competitive if they can demonstrate academic success or leadership skills. In addition, during the school year, students receive a monthly stipend for miscellaneous expenses. Students are also able to participate in Arnold Air Society, Wolfpack Warrior Booster Club and/or Honor Guard if they would like.
Duke University
Duke University is home to AFROTC Detachment 585 that was established in 1951. The program also serves students from North Carolina Central University and provides a New Cadet Orientation program for freshmen. In addition to similar 4-year program requirements, such as the General Military Course, the Professional Officer Course and Field Training, Detachment 585 offers fun extracurricular activities like Duke basketball color guard, paintball, social events and volunteer opportunities. Duke does accept any national AFROTC scholarships a cadet may receive.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers AFROTC Detachment 592 to interested students. The program began in 1981 and is also available to students from Belmont Abbey and Queens University. The program consists of academic coursework, Leadership Lab and Physical Training, and also offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. The school does offer a Spring Shadow Day for prospective cadets to come and learn more about the detachment and program.
