Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Programs: Opportunities for Enlisted Members to Become Officers

The Air Force and Space Force offer various programs designed to provide enlisted members with opportunities to pursue higher education and commission as officers. These programs cater to different eligibility criteria and educational goals, offering pathways for motivated Airmen and Guardians to achieve their aspirations.

Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP)

The Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP) is designed to allow active-duty Airmen and Guardians to transition into full-time students and earn a commission as an Air Force or Space Force officer. The program releases eligible enlisted Airmen and Guardians from active duty to attend college full-time in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Participants enroll in Air Force ROTC while completing their degree and commission upon graduation.

Key Features of ASCP

Tuition Coverage: Up to $18,000 per year for tuition and fees, plus a textbook allowance and monthly stipend.
Eligibility: Active-duty enlisted with at least one year of service.
Degree Requirement: Bachelor's degree through an AFROTC-affiliated college.
ROTC Participation: Full-time enrollment in Air Force ROTC is required.
Status Change: Released from active duty for full-time student status.
Commission Outcome: Commission as a second lieutenant upon graduation.

Benefits of ASCP for Enlisted Airmen and Guardians

ASCP pays for college tuition and fees while supporting full-time enrollment.
ASCP offers a direct path from enlisted service to officer commissioning.
ASCP reduces the cost of higher education through scholarship support.
ASCP places participants in an educational delay, allowing uninterrupted focus on academics.
ASCP builds leadership, academic, and military readiness through ROTC training.

Is ASCP Right for You?

The Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP) is ideal for enlisted service members who wish to pursue a college degree and become officers in the United States Air Force or United States Space Force. Consider ASCP if:

You are academically eligible and motivated to complete a bachelor’s degree.
You plan to serve as a commissioned officer.
You’re ready to transition from active duty to student status temporarily.
You meet AFROTC's physical and academic standards.
You want to access scholarship funding without using GI Bill benefits.

How to Apply for ASCP

Review eligibility criteria and program requirements
Apply to an accredited college with an AFROTC detachment and an approved major.
Submit the ASCP application package, including transcripts, test scores, and command endorsement.
Complete medical and fitness assessments required by AFROTC.
If selected, separate from active duty and enroll as a full-time student
Participate in ROTC training while completing your degree.

Applications are accepted annually and reviewed by an Air Force selection board.

FAQs about the Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP)

Q: Who is eligible to apply for ASCP?
- A: Active-duty enlisted Airmen and Guardians with at least one year of service and a high school diploma or equivalent are eligible to apply.
Q: What does ASCP cover?
- A: ASCP provides up to $18,000 annually for tuition and fees, a book stipend, and a monthly living allowance.
Q: Do ASCP participants stay on active duty?
- A: No. Air Force look for opportunities to pursue a commission.

Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC (SOAR) Program

Enlisted Airmen who strive to attend or complete college may apply to the SOAR program. Up to 50 people can be nominated for two- to four-year ROTC scholarships that cover most tuition and all fees. This program gives Active Duty, enlisted Airmen the opportunity to earn a commission while completing their bachelor’s degree. Those selected temporarily separate from Active Duty Air Force to join ROTC and become a full-time student at a participating college.

SOAR allocates scholarship quotas to MAJCOMs, field operating agencies and direct-reporting units for outstanding RegAF Airmen. If qualified and selected by the AFROTC board, Airmen and Guardians receive scholarships to a college or university offering AFROTC for a time period ranging from two (2) to four (4) years. Commanders are encouraged to seek out their strongest performers with exceptional potential, motivating them to complete college degrees and be commissioned through AFROTC. RegAF personnel are discharged from the RegAF and enlisted in the AFR-Obligated Reserve Section to accept the scholarships and enroll in AFROTC.

Application Deadline: Suspense is 3-Feb for MAJCOMs to get packages to HQ AFROTC/RRUE but MAJCOMs can and will set their own timelines to ensure they get packages to us by 3 Feb.

POC-ERP Program

Active Duty Airmen can take advantage of the POC-ERP to enter Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). Those who are selected will become full-time students at a participating college to pursue a bachelor’s degree. POC-ERP is an avenue for RegAF Airmen to attend college in order to finish earning their baccalaureate degree. The POC-ERP allows Airmen with no more than two (2) years of college remaining to apply for early release from the RegAF to pursue a commission through AFROTC.

Application Deadline: Deadline is 3-Feb every year. Submit packages NET 1 November of the previous year.

SLECP-A Program

SLECP-A is for candidates who do not possess a baccalaureate degree but have completed at least 24 semester hours or equivalent by the end of the SLECP selection window with plans for completing a bachelor’s degree within three years from an accredited institution. Airmen and Guardians must complete all degree requirements within three (3) years and attend an accredited school with an associated funding agreement and/or affiliated crosstown AFROTC (for personnel administrative management purposes only) with a tuition cap of $18,000/year. The degree earned must qualify for the AFSC classification or the member will be reclassified into a qualifying AFSC.

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Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP)

The NECP program sponsors RegAF enlisted members to complete the upper-division curriculum toward a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Maximum program participation may not exceed 24 months. The program offers Active Duty Airmen an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing to eventually become a Nurse in the Air Force. Participating students remain on Active Duty and continue to receive an income while going to school full time at a college or university that participates in ROTC.

Additional Educational Opportunities and Programs

Beyond the specific commissioning programs, the Air Force offers a wide array of educational opportunities to support the professional development of its members:

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Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA): This program is designed to help active duty personnel pursue voluntary, off-duty educational opportunities. Currently, the program pays 100 percent (up to $250 per semester hour or equivalent) of the cost of college tuition with a limit of $4,500 per fiscal year.
Post-9/11 GI Bill: Eligible, active duty Airmen can receive up to 36 months of benefits for education and training opportunities outside of the Air Force. These benefits may be used for undergraduate and graduate degree programs, vocational and technical training, tutorial assistance, books, supplies and monthly housing.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB): A veteran benefit program, the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) was created to assist military members in paying for college. Eligible, enlisted Airmen may receive up to 36 months of benefits for education and training opportunities outside of the Air Force. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship or on-the-job training and correspondence courses.
Community College of the Air Force (CCAF): All Airmen are encouraged to take advantage of CCAF, which partners with civilian institutions to offer associate degrees in job-related areas.
Education and Training Office: If you need assistance with the education eligibility requirements, please contact your Base Education and Training Office.
Enlisted College Loan Repayment Program (ECLRP): The ECLRP allows Active Duty Airman to earn 33 ⅓ percent (a maximum of $21,664.50) of their unpaid principal loan balance each year for three years.
LEAD program: The LEAD program is an ongoing effort to give our best and brightest Airmen the opportunity to earn a college degree at the Air Force Academy and Academy Prep School.
Allows Airmen to earn professional certification in their specialty at no cost.
Air Force Academy: The prestigious Air Force Academy is a university that offers world-class education, leadership training and cost-free tuition in exchange for your commitment to serve in the Air Force or Space Force.
Officer Training School (OTS): Civilians and prior-service Airmen with college degrees can take part in this nine-week program to become an Officer in the Air Force. You’ll be challenged physically and mentally while gaining the skills needed to be a leader in the Air Force.
Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT): AFIT’s Air Force Graduate School for Engineering and Management is among the nation’s top engineering schools and enables officers to earn a master’s degree or Ph.D.
Health Professions Scholarship Program: Students who wish to pursue a healthcare career can earn financial assistance through the Health Professions Scholarship Program. This scholarship covers all tuition and required fees, including textbooks, small equipment and supplies as well as a monthly allowance for living expenses.
Residency Financial Assistance program: Medical and dental professionals can complete their residency without financial worry through the Residency Financial Assistance program. Those selected will receive more than $45,000 for every year they participate in the program as well as a stipend of over $2,000 per month to cover living expenses. Upon completion of residency, participants complete one year of service in the Air Force for each year of participation, plus one extra year.
Allied Health Internship Program: The Allied Health Internship Program offers several internship opportunities at Air Force medical facilities. The program allows participants to become interns in practice areas such as Clinical Psychology, Audiology, Clinical Social Worker, Dietetic and more.
Physician Assistant Training program: Active Duty Airmen can apply to the Physician Assistant Training program. Physician Assistants are an in-demand and highly respected career within the Air Force.
Healthcare Continuing Education (HCE): Healthcare Continuing Education (HCE) is critical to the success of the Air Force mission. We support healthcare career development with mentorship opportunities and humanitarian missions around the world through funding and scheduling that allows for continuing study.
Air Force Judge Advocate General’s School: JAGs seeking to expand their knowledge in different areas of practice, become more specialized in their field or earn Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits are encouraged to participate in the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s School.
JAG Student Loan Repayment Program: This program enables eligible JAGs to apply for up to $65,000 toward student loan repayment.
Advanced Law Degree Program: This is a tuition-free option for pursuing an advanced degree in specialties such as Government Contract Law, Environmental Law, Labor Law, Cyber Law, Air and Space Law or International Law. While obtaining an advanced degree, participants receive full tuition, fees and a book allowance from the Air Force while continuing to serve on Active Duty with full pay, allowances and other benefits.
Air Force Reserve Chaplain Corps: The Air Force Reserve Chaplain Corps offers three avenues of service to the Air Force. The first enables ministry professionals to serve with a local reserve unit and train one weekend a month. The second commits you to serve 12 days on annual tour and 12 in a chapel on an Active Duty base. The final option is the Chaplain Candidate program tailored to students. Seminary and religious school students who are interested in Air Force service can apply to the Chaplain Candidate program. Candidates collaborate with an Air Force chapel team during summer tours of active duty.

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