Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) provides the tools, training, and experiences to become an officer in the United States military while earning money toward your college education.
Saint Leo University has a partnership with University of South Florida that allows Saint Leo students to participate in Air Force and Army ROTC programs at USF. ROTC is an elective curriculum you take along with your required courses. Because ROTC is an elective, you can participate your freshman and sophomore years with no obligation to join the U.S. military.
ROTC Benefits
When you become part of ROTC, you're not just working toward a degree. You're working toward a brighter future alongside other motivated cadets like you. Those who excel in the program are intelligent, athletic, hard-working leaders, striving toward something more from their college experience.
- Focus on your education rather than on how you'll pay for it. Whether you're a college-bound high school student or already attending Saint Leo, ROTC has scholarships available to help fund your tuition.
- Prepare to succeed in any competitive environment, whether you plan to go into the military or corporate world.
- Gain valuable leadership skills through a combination of classroom study and hands-on training.
ROTC Matching Grant
Students that receive the ROTC Scholarship may be eligible for the ROTC Matching Grant. This grant provides funding for housing and food expenses as determined by the financial aid cost of attendance budget. Students must have a current and completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file and have completed verification (if applicable) in order to have the ROTC Matching Grant awarded.
When a student qualifies for the ROTC Matching Grant, any institutional financial aid previously awarded will be removed. However, if the student was awarded athletic aid, the funds will go toward housing and food expense. Any remaining athletic aid that surpasses the student’s allowed housing and food cost will be reduced, if applicable. If the athletic aid does not cover the allowed cost of a housing and meal plan, the student will be awarded a ROTC Matching Grant to cover the student’s remaining cost for housing and food, as determined by their financial aid cost of attendance budget.
Saint Leo: Our Military Heritage
Saint Leo's commitment to educating the Armed Forces is unmatched. The University is ranked among the nation's most military-friendly institutions by G.I. Jobs and Military Advanced Education magazine, and is one of the 10 leading providers of higher education to the U.S. Military. Learn more about our military history and current military partnership below.
Air Force ROTC
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is an in-college program that offers the opportunity to become a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force upon graduation. AFROTC hones your time management, physical fitness and analytical skills—and helps you push yourself to achieve your goals. The curriculum includes 12-16 hours of instruction by active-duty Air Force officers over a two- to four-year period.
Saint Leo University cadets attend ROTC at the University of South Florida, alongside USF students and cadets from other cross-town schools in the Tampa area. For more information, visit the Detachment 158 website.
Registration
Students interested in enrolling in the program can begin registration procedures through the University of South Florida's AFROTC office prior to registering for the appropriate "AFR" course through Saint Leo University's registration process. Veterans, active-duty personnel and graduate students are encouraged to inquire about special accelerated programs that may be available based upon the needs of the Air Force.
Download Guide to Getting Started & Scholarship Requirements »
Go to Online Air Force ROTC Scholarship Application »
Contact
afrotc@usf.edu
Saint Leo: (352) 588-7398
University of South Florida: (813) 974-3367
Army ROTC
The Department of Military Science offers both a four- and a two-year program, each leading to a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. The newly commissioned officer can be guaranteed Reserve or National Guard duty, or compete for an Active Duty commission.
As a student at Saint Leo University, you will be part of the Suncoast Battalion, located at the University of South Florida. All classes are taught on-campus at Saint Leo by the full-time cadre. In addition to classroom lectures and physical training, students are required to attend a weekly leadership lab, for which transportation is provided by Saint Leo.
Registration
For more information on the ROTC program and for scholarship application click here. Scholarships are available for high school seniors, current college students, and enlisted soldiers via the Green to Gold Program.
Contact
Captain Wesley Champlin
Assistant Professor of Military Science
Phone: 352-588-8685
Email: wesley.champlin@saintleo.edu