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BDCP vs NROTC in terms of $
- Thread starter mike172
- Start date
If you end up going to a school like USC or MIT where the tuition is upwards of $40k, then NROTC would be the obvious choice.
From what I've read, it depends where you go to school since the tuition from ROTC varies, assuming you get a full scholarship, while BDCP pay is unchanging.
From what I've read, it depends where you go to school since the tuition from ROTC varies, assuming you get a full scholarship, while BDCP pay is unchanging.
If you really get into figuring that out then you are looking for all the wrong reasons.
In BDCP, you also get time in service so you get paid more after you commission.
MasterBates
Well-Known Member
And can retire sooner.. 
MasterBates
Well-Known Member
I look at it this way. He wants to serve. The Navy has already determined that it is to the service's advantage and benefit if he is accepted to either program.
Just trying to find a way that is most mutually beneficial is OK in my book.
Just trying to find a way that is most mutually beneficial is OK in my book.
I disagree.
He's decided he wants to serve. Why not get the best out of it at the same time? MB is right. Wanting to maximize the benefits in no way diminishes his willingness to serve.
By your logic, was it wrong that I used tution assistance, GI Bill and VA disability payments? Does this belittle my service because they benefit me?
Touche. I understand your logic. I yield to the older gentlemen...
Looking back on BDCP I estimate I got around $26,000 for one year of being in. I'm not a ROTC guy so I can't say how that compares. I got Grand Forks, ND BAH. Living in a larger area would increase the BAH, but living would be more expensive (tuition, rent, food, bars, etc.). There are other benefits that don't exactly have a numerical benefit associated with them. As of right now I have around 50 days of leave, will be 2 years ahead of most my contemporaries on the pay scale and can retire earlier.
While in NROTC as a Marine option, I received about $47,000 for tuition at a public state school, the textbook allowance, and the monthly stipend. I also received ~$3,250 in cash from our alumni foundation in scholarship awards over 4 years, my mameluke sword, and the money for the summer training (average of about $1,000 each summer). That brings the total to about $53,250.
In BDCP, for the year I made BAH+BAS for Atlanta in addition to E-3 pay. Furthermore, I saved about $20,000 in out of state tuition costs as state schools give military members in state tuition rates.
So I'd guess I made somewhere in the range $50k for the year (not sure exactly without looking up on MyPay).
So I'd guess I made somewhere in the range $50k for the year (not sure exactly without looking up on MyPay).
NROTC is definitely a matter of what you make out of it. By your own merit, you can live well at college under NROTC AND get the training, tuition, and Naval exposure. Also, no one has mentioned NROTC's tuition reimbursement, which case by case, can indeed muscle out the money made in BDCP.
However, if you already have a free ride AND BDCP money, BDCP wins hands down. I know many people who don't need money from the Navy to complete NROTC or college in general, but don't get a salary to go that route.
As a word of caution on that note, the second that my family found out I was going to get a dime from the Navy I was cut off (financially). So take that FWIW. It is certainly not a huge deal, but something to consider since the increased income might be offset by an increase in bills if your situation becomes similar to mine.
The BDCP money is awesome. I think the biggest benefit is that you can go to a school without NROTC and still get compensated on your path towards a commission. Either way you win, but you probably would net more total $$$ if you started NROTC scholarship at the beginning of college vs. just BDCP for <2 years.
Another example of a way to make BDCP work for you, my University tags $500+ on tuition per traditional term to all students who don't have their own health care. Right off the bat, BDCP saves you up to $1000+ a year via Tricare. In some cases where you were getting cash from a scholarship/grants to compensate that money, you can now put it towards something else.