Villanova University, in a long-standing relationship with the United States Navy, maintains one of approximately 60 Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps units in the United States. The objective of the Unit is to educate prospective officers for the Navy and Marine Corps. Commissions as Ensign or 2nd Lieutenant are awarded upon successful completion of prescribed naval science courses and graduation from the University. These commissioned officers will serve on active duty for a period of five to twelve years, depending upon choice of warfare specialty.

Participation in the NROTC Unit is through either the Scholarship or College Programs. Students in the NROTC Scholarship Program (national selection competition) receive a substantial subsidy from the Navy, including tuition, a book stipend, fees, and in freshman year a $250 monthly subsistence allowance that increases by $50 each following year. They participate in three summer cruises on board various Navy ships and installations and receive active duty pay while on these cruises.

NROTC College Program students (Non-Scholarship) apply directly to the Villanova NROTC Unit, usually in the fall semester of their freshman year. Selections are made by the Professor of Naval Science. Students in the College Program receive no government subsidy until their junior and senior years, during which they receive a $350 monthly subsistence allowance their junior year that increases to $400 their senior year. They participate in one summer cruise and receive active duty pay while on cruise. A limited number of scholarships are available each year to those NROTC College Program students who stand at or near the top of their College Program class in terms of overall academic performance and aptitude for commissioned service. The Professor of Naval Science nominates College Program students for these scholarships with the selection being made by the Chief of Naval Education and Training (CNET).

In addition to the four-year programs described above, two-year NROTC Scholarship and NROTC College Programs are available. Students must apply for these programs early in the spring semester of their sophomore year (application packages are normally due to CNET by 31 March each year. Those selected for the two-year programs must successfully complete a six week training course at Newport, RI, during the summer preceding their junior year. Upon enrollment in the NROTC Program at the beginning of their junior year, two-year program students have the same options and benefits, and assume the same active duty obligation, as four-year program students.

All Scholarship and College Program students may select any major at the University. Midshipmen at Villanova study in a wide variety of majors in engineering, arts, sciences, business, and nursing.

Detailed NROTC information may be obtained from the Naval Science Office, Room 103, John Barry Hall.