NROTC is the best alternative to going to the academy for many. NROTC units are stationed at specific civilian colleges around the country. There are two distinct differences however. The first one is that NROTC Midshipmen are attending a “normal” college, except for those who attend a private military college like Norwich. The other main difference is that not all NROTC Midshipmen will have a background in engineering, math and physics. Having knowledge of those subjects can be helpful but as I have been told by pilots “you can major in underwater basket weaving and still become a pilot”. This is because everything you need to know is taught to you in flight school.
Scholarship: Through NROTC you could be awarded a scholarship, 4yr, 3yr or 2yr. The Navy will pay for you school and give you a stipend for books and uniforms. However, you are also required to take calculus 1 and 2 as well as University Physics 1 and 2. You must pass each of these classes to commission if you are on scholarship. Like at the academy these classes are intended to give you a background in engineering in case you were assigned to work in nuclear propulsion.
Advanced Standing: When you arrive at a school with a NROTC unit you can request to be put on basic standing. You will be put in naval science classes and required to attend the NROTC events put on by the unit. At the end of the year you will be put in for either a scholarship or an advanced standing contract. The advanced standing contract gives you a commission in the navy, but your school is not paid for by the Navy. Since your education is not paid for, you are not required to take the math and physics classes that are required of a student with a scholarship. You still receive a stipend to help with books and uniforms.
Below is a link to the NROTC website.
Below is a link to the NROTC website.