Funding Opportunities

Morgan State University ROTC offers amongst the highest financial aid packages compared to other ROTC programs in the nation. Our program is dedicated to ensuring student persistence, retention, and success. Many funding and scholarship opportunities are available.

We understand that researching scholarships and other funds is often intimidating and complex. If you are interested in any of these opportunities and are a current Morgan State University student, a high-school student, or a parent/guardian of a high-school student, please contact our Recruiting Operations Officer, Mr. Leon Carr, at leon.carr@morgan.edu and 443-885-3264. We will be happy to explain the details of these programs.

Bridge Grant (Room and Board)

Each semester, subject to Morgan State University's budget, students who are enrolled in ROTC classes may receive partial- or full-funding for Morgan State room and board.

The Bridge Grant is awarded to outstanding ROTC students by the Department of Military Science on a merit basis. Students who demonstrate exceptional participation and involvement in ROTC are nominated before the following semester for the grant.

A student is eligible for the Bridge Grant if they:

• are enrolled full-time at Morgan State University as an undergraduate or graduate student
• are an actively participating member of the ROTC program during classes, labs, physical training, and field training exercises
• have been determined to be eligible for in-State tuition by the institution
• have been approved for Morgan State room and board for the upcoming semester and received an invoice for room and board
• file their request prior to the start of the semester they apply for the grant

Non-contracted students taking ROTC classes as an elective are eligible to receive up to $2,500 in funds to cover room and board per semester.

Contracted students (Cadets who have signed a contract to commission into the United States Army as a Commissioned Officer) are eligible to to receive $5,000 or more in funds to cover room and board per semester. In many instances, contracted students with exceptional performance within ROTC and their degrees receive the Bridge Grant every semester until they graduate.

Students must continue to demonstrate active participation in ROTC classes, labs, physical training, field training exercises, and events to continue to receive the Bridge Grant.

2LT Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship

In an effort to preserve the legacy of 2LT Richard W. Collins III, the State of Maryland has launched a $1 million annual scholarship fund to help students gain a quality education and excellent leadership skills to meet their professional goals.

Eligibility:

Funds are available to full-time undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at one of Maryland’s three historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs): Morgan State University, Coppin State University, and Bowie State University.

Applicants must also be:

• a U.S. citizen
• a Maryland resident
• a minority student
• a full-time student (undergraduate or graduate) for the applied-for semester
• enrolled in an ROTC class at Morgan State University for the applied-for semester
• complete with their FAFSA application for the applied-for semester

Application Process:

1. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or submit the Maryland State Financial Aid Application through the Maryland College Aid Processing Portal if you are ineligible to receive federal aid, but are eligible for in-state tuition by July 1, 2024.
2. For best consideration, apply by March 15, 2024. Applicants must upload some of their own documents. The final application deadline is July 1, 2024.
3. Complete the scholarship application through MDCAPS.
4. Submit the Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship 2024-2025 Institutional Verification Form to Mr. Leon Carr at leon.carr@morgan.edu.
5. Submit documentation to the Morgan State Army ROTC that you are a minority student.

Award Amount:

Scholarship amounts vary based on the financial need of each student, which is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Recipients will receive a minimum award of $500 per semester. 

Army Scholarships

Many two-, three-, or four-year merit-based Army scholarships are available in many different forms. You may apply for these scholarships as a current Morgan State University student or a prospective student at the high school level. Some of these scholarships may also include incentives such as a guaranteed Army component upon graduation, room and board, funds for books and supplies, and a monthly stipend.

Students may be offered scholarships conditionally while awaiting final determination of eligibility. (The most common reason for such conditional offers is the scheduling of medical examinations and the resolution of potential medical disqualifiers). Students must meet the general criteria listed below to be eligible for an Army ROTC two-, three-, or four-year merit scholarship at Morgan State University. Detailed criteria are prescribed in a number of Army publications.

Scholarship applications are also available on request. Four-year national scholarships can be filed online.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be at least seventeen years of age by October 1 of the year of enrollment as a scholarship cadet
• Be under twenty-seven years of age on June 30 of the calendar year in which eligible for appointment as a second lieutenant
• Satisfactorily explain any record of arrest and/or civil conviction (no felony convictions)
• Pass a medical exam reviewed by the DoD Medical Examination and Review Board
• Pass an Army Combat Fitness Test
• Have minimum qualifying SAT/ACT scores: SAT: 920 composite ACT: 19 composite
• Be a high school graduate or possess an equivalent certificate
• Be accepted for enrollment by the Morgan State University Admissions Office
• Have at least two academic years remaining at Morgan State University (may include graduate study)
• Two-year and three-year scholarship applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater
• Agree to accept a commission as an officer in the Regular Army, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve
• Pursue a Department of the Army-approved academic discipline
• Have no moral obligations or personal conviction that will prevent you from:
  • Supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic
  • Conscientiously bearing arms