July 09, 2025
In a significant shift, the U.S. Army has announced that 84 college campuses will undergo changes to their Army ROTC programs, which may include complete closures or mergers with nearby institutions. These adjustments are set to take effect in the summer of 2026, marking a pivotal moment for many students involved in these programs.
According to a spokesperson from the Army Cadet Command, ten host ROTC programs and nine extension campuses will no longer be affiliated with the Army ROTC, affecting a total of 115 students. While the majority of these students are expected to graduate within the next two years, 13 incoming freshmen and rising juniors will be provided with alternative options to continue their ROTC training.
This realignment is largely a response to personnel changes initiated during the previous administration, which resulted in a 12 percent reduction in the Army’s civilian workforce, equating to approximately 168 positions. Such changes reflect the Army’s ongoing efforts to optimize its resources and adapt to evolving educational landscapes.
As stated by the Army, “Cadet Command has conducted a comprehensive evaluation of each program’s historical performance, proximity to other ROTC programs, and trends in higher education enrollment to inform recommendations for Army leadership.” The command is committed to working closely with affected cadets and staff to ensure they have viable paths forward.
In addition to campus-level changes, the Army has also inactivated the First Brigade headquarters at Fort Knox, which has historically supported ROTC programs at ten colleges, including notable institutions across the country.
The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) provides college students with full-tuition scholarships at partner institutions, along with monthly stipends for living expenses. In exchange, cadets commit to serving in the Army for eight years, either on active duty or in reserve components. Despite these changes, ROTC programs will continue to operate at approximately 900 colleges nationwide.
For first- and second-year cadets affected by these changes, there are options to either transfer their training to another institution or exit their contracts without any financial penalties.
Among the institutions losing their ROTC programs is the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, which has supported numerous cadets over the years, many of whom have pursued their education at other regional colleges.
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is also set to close its military science department in the 2026–27 academic year, having commissioned over 1,400 officers in its 70 years of operation. One cadet expressed intentions to transfer to continue their officer training elsewhere.
Other campuses facing the discontinuation of their ROTC programs include the University of Northern Iowa, Western Illinois University, Truman State University, Elizabeth City State University, Saint Augustine’s University, Clarkson University, John Carroll University, and West Virginia State University. Many additional institutions will see their operations consolidated into larger campuses.
Some colleges have already reported financial challenges affecting their cadets. For instance, a professor of military science at Howard University noted that the Army has been limiting the number of scholarships available to students, raising concerns among the cadet community.
As the Army continues to navigate these changes, it remains crucial for institutions to adapt and find ways to best support their cadets and ensure the sustainability of their ROTC programs.