We encourage cadets to start thinking about their future early on in their journey especially if they want to pursue higher education.

Here are just a few of the many scholarships cadets and students can apply for. 

• The NROTC Marine Option Scholarship

                To take advantage of this scholarship, you must apply to one of the approved NROTC colleges and universities. The list includes some of the top academic institutions in our nation. An NROTC option    Scholarship allows you to fully experience college life. You will have all of the opportunities and freedoms, including the same courses and living space as your peers. As part of the program, you will participate in Naval science classes and spend your first two summers learning about the Navy and the Marine Corps. In your third summer, you'll spend six week attending Officer Candidates School in Quantico, VA.

• Frederick C. Branch Scholarship

                In 1945, Frederick C. Branch became the first African American Marine Officer. The challenges he faced were intense, but in true Marine Corps spirit, he overcame every obstacle and helped blaze a trail for future generations. Challenge yourself to achieve even more by starting your own path to becoming a Marine Corps Officer. Named in his honor, the Frederick C. Branch Scholarship offers four-year, three-year and two-year NROTC scholarships for students attending or planning to attend one of 17 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The scholarship includes full tuition, supplemental college/university fees and a stipend allowance each month. 

• Pedro Del Valle Leadership Scholarship

Not everyone has it: the ability to inspire, to make the right decision in the blink of an eye, to lead. However, General Pedro Del Valle had it. His ability to lead others propelled him to become the first Hispanic American to earn the rank Lieutenant General. In honor of his bravery and leadership, the Marine Corps offers four-year, three-year, and two-year NROTC scholarships for students attending or planning to attend one of the three Hispanic Serving Institutions:

                - California State University at San Marcos

                - University of New Mexico

                - San Diego State University

The scholarship includes full tuition, supplemental college/university fees and a stipend allowance each month. Apply for any and all Marine Corps Scholarships that may be applicable to your education situation. Each scholarship has a different review board, so applying to multiple scholarships will have no negative or positive effects on your application. 

• Vicente Tomás Garrido Blaz Leadership Scholarship

Vicent Tomás Garrido Blaz was a Chamorro United States Marine from the United States territory of Guam. He attended Marine Corps Officer Candidate School after being awarded a scholarship to attend Notre Dame and eventually served as the Commanding Officer, 9th Marine Regiment - one of the major units involved in liberating Guam during World War II. After retirement, Brigadier General Blaz was then elected the delegate to Congress from Guam in 1984, and he later served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1985 until 1993.

This scholarship aims to honor Brigadier General and House Representative Vicente Tomás Garrido Blaz' leadership and vision, and the impact of all Asians and Pacific Islanders in and out of uniform, in service to our great nation. This scholarship is not tied to a specific university and is available to High School Seniors, as a four-year scholarship.  Each applicant will be required to submit an essay, highlighting their own efforts to advance the Asian/Pacific Islander culture in America, or the major contributions of the Asian/Pacific Islander communities to the United States.  

• Magaret Brewer Scholarship

Margaret Brewer was awarded a Legion of Merit for her leadership as the Director of Women Marines' and was instrumental to integrating women into expanded roles with the Marine Corps. After selection to the rank of Brigadier General, Margaret Brewer served as the Director of Information, and became the first female general officer in the Marine Corps. This Scholarship aims to honor Brigadier General Margaret Brewer’s leadership and vision in expanding integration, and the impact of all women who accept the challenge of serving in the Marine Corps. This scholarship is not tied to a specific university and is available to High School Seniors, as a four-year scholarship.  Each applicant will be required to submit an essay, highlighting their own efforts to advance the women’s community in America, or the major contributions of the women to the nation. 

• Frank E. Petersen Scholarship

Frank E. Petersen, Jr. entered the United States Navy as a Seaman Apprentice in 1950. After entering the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in 1951, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1952. A fast mover to the officer ranks, he was equally fast in the air, being assigned to Marine Fighter Squadrons throughout his early career, before commanding a Marine Air Wing and later retiring as a Lieutenant General.  This scholarship aims to honor Lieutenant General Frank E. Petersen's legacy in aviation, and is not tied to a specific university. However, this scholarship is available only as a three/two year scholarship to College Freshman and Sophomores. Each applicant will be required to submit an essay, highlighting their own efforts to advance aviation, or the major contributions of aviation to the development of our nation. 

• Military Youth Organizations Scholarships

This scholarship opportunity has been created to improve the awareness of the NROTC Marine option opportunity to these specific Military Youth Organizations: Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), Young Marines, Sea Cadets, and the Civil Air Patrol. Applicants must have participated in one of these four organizations. An applicant will be required to highlight both the benefits of their respective programs in their own lives and community, but also how they maximized their opportunity to give back to one of these organizations. This scholarship is not tied to a specific university and is available to High School Seniors, as a four-year scholarship.

Basic Qualifications

To qualify for the scholarships, you must meet certain guidelines that include the following:

• You must be a United States citizen
• You must be at least 17 years old and no older than 23
• You must be physically qualified to meet Marine Corps standards
• You must obtain a basic SAT combined score of 1000 or a 22 composite score on the ACT

A life of Honor, Courage and Commitment

When you apply for the Marine Scholarship Programs, you have selected one of the most accomplished organizations in the world. At the forefront of that organization stand Marine Officers. Should you prove worthy of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, your service will stand alongside the achievements of every generation that has risen to the challenge. 

The journey to becoming a Marine Officer will refine and shape the leadership potential you have. The skills you develop will prepare you for a life of selfless service and achievement. You will be prepared for any situation you encounter in life and will be an inspiration to your fellow Marines. 

Before you apply for just any scholarship, consider whether you have what it takes to be an officer in the United States Marine Corps.