Founded in 1873, this school specializes in leadership training and developing civilians and military leaders. The North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, Georgia, was named the top senior military college in the nation by the Douglas MacArthur Foundation for 2009-2010. In addition to the ROTC program, this school offers more than 50 bachelor's degrees. Becoming a cadet is extremely competitive and one of the prerequisites for applicants is the completion of a college-preparatory curriculum in high school. ROTC scholarships are also available. The corps of cadets comprises about 13 percent of the student population at North Georgia and because of this has been designated as the Military College of Georgia.
Founded 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge, Norwich University was the first private military college in the United States and is the birthplace of the nation's ROTC program. To be enrolled in Norwich University's four ROTC programs, a student must be a member of the corps of cadets. Being a part of the corps lets students learn how to effectively work in teams, communicate, resolve conflicts and fulfill responsibilities. Before becoming a cadet, each rookie has to go through three phases of training camp during their first year. Upon completion of these phases, students officially become cadets. After the first year, cadets can have the opportunity to have leadership positions and decide what direction they want to take in the ROTC program.
Founded in 1842, the Citadel offers cadets the "whole person" mission statement with their education incorporating the mind, body and spirit. The Citadel is focused on providing a stimulating environment which is conducive to their personal growth. The ROTC programs are offered for all branches of the armed services. The Citadel offers small class sizes and aims to provide the best education in one of the five academic schools: business, education, engineering, humanities and social sciences, and science and mathematics. The Citadel also has then highest four-year graduation rate for athletes in colleges and universities in South Carolina.
Founded in 1839, VMI is the oldest state-supported military college. The mission of VMI and the Army ROTC is to commission the future officer leadership of the U.S. Army and to motivate young people to be better citizens. Cadets here receive specific military training that is provided both from within the cadet regiment and various armed services through the Reserve Officer Training Corps detachments. At VMI, every cadet must participate in ROTC training, but only those cadets who receive an ROTC scholarship are required to enter military service.