---
title: "Department of Air & Space Studies (AFROTC)"
url: "/academics/AFROTC"
type: page
date: 2026-05-14
updated: 2026-05-17
---

# Department of Air & Space Studies (AFROTC)

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps

# Department of Air &amp; Space Studies 

The Department of Air &amp; Space Studies (AFROTC) prepares students to become commissioned officers in the United States Air Force and United States Space Force while pursuing a traditional college experience at Manhattan University. Through three- and four-year commissioning pathways, students develop leadership skills, military knowledge and professional experience that prepare them to lead with integrity in service to the nation.

 

 [ About Detachment 560 ](/academics/AFROTC/about-det-560) 

 [ Cadre &amp; Staff ](/academics/AFROTC/cadre-staff) 

 

Image

      ![AFROTC cadets from Detachment 560 gather in a team huddle on a campus athletic field at Manhattan University, with the Bronx Bombers Air Force ROTC logo displayed in the upper left corner.](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-05/Jan-25-Preview-Image_0.jpg?h=d5587007&itok=C5Rva2QV) 

 

 

## Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC)

Welcome to Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 560 at Manhattan University, comprised of students from 14 colleges and universities across the New York City metropolitan area. The program develops qualified students into future leaders who will serve as commissioned officers in the United States Air Force or United States Space Force while enjoying the benefits of a traditional civilian college experience.

The AFROTC program is a minimum three-year commitment. Students may attend any partner institution and must remain enrolled full-time for their first five semesters in the program. The sixth and final semester may be completed part-time, or students may no longer need to be enrolled if degree requirements have already been fulfilled.

Students may complete AFROTC through several pathways:

1. Enter the four-year program as a college freshman.
2. Enter the three-year program as a college sophomore.
3. Enter after sophomore year while pursuing a masterâ&#128;&#153;s degree or an undergraduate degree plan that guarantees at least five full-time semesters remaining.
4. Current members of the National Guard or Reserves may also apply if they meet the program criteria and obtain a conditional release from their commander or unit leadership before the first semester of their junior year.

Students interested in joining the program should maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, meet Air Force height and weight standards, and demonstrate physical fitness readiness. Students also complete a comprehensive medical evaluation during their first semester to determine eligibility for an Air Force or Space Force commission.

High school students interested in AFROTC scholarships may apply through the national Air Force ROTC scholarship process. Current cadets may also compete for scholarships through the In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP) after completing one year in the program. Scholarship opportunities may include awards covering up to $9,000 per semester, $18,000 per semester, or full tuition, depending on eligibility and selection.

Undergraduate AFROTC students may also compete for scholarships during their final two years in the program, provided they meet all associated requirements, including age eligibility for commissioning. Contact the department for additional information or register for an upcoming information session.

Information current as of April 1, 2026.

 Additional Resources

##  Department of the Air Force 

[U.S. Air Force ](https://www.af.mil/)

[U.S. Air Force ROTC](https://www.afrotc.com/)

[U.S. Space Force](https://www.spaceforce.mil/)

[Recruiting | Department of the Air Force](https://www.airforce.com/)

 ![Image of AFROTC cadet Lauren Underwood '25](/sites/default/files/styles/square_400/public/media/2026-05/Underwood1.jpg?h=be212d21&itok=nUjuV9cy)In October 2024, Madison Marsh â&#128;&#148; the first active-duty service member crowned Miss America â&#128;&#148; visited Manhattan University to meet with Air Force ROTC cadets and members of the campus community, sharing her experiences in leadership, service and advocacy.

[Embedded Video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/DJ4du0jVCHE?si=gHsMmtRKEFwdP_DT)

 

![Image of AFROTC cadet Jeremey Samuel](/sites/default/files/styles/square_400/public/media/2026-05/Cadet-Samuel.jpg?h=812813cc&itok=xap81AxR) 

Contact Us

##  Questions about the AFROTC program? 

 Brianna Armstrong 

Operations Manager  
<barmstrong01@manhattan.edu>  
(718) 862-7201

 3825 Corlear Avenue Room 246  
Riverdale, NY 10463-2348  
<afrotc@manhattan.edu>   
(718) 862-7201  
(718) 862-7900

Image

      ![Aerial photo of Manhattan University](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-03/drone-2025-3200x2400.jpg?h=9b8bd6ff&itok=xYR2ar43) 

## Prepare for the Real World

At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether youâ&#128;&#153;re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when youâ&#128;&#153;re ready â&#128;&#148; weâ&#128;&#153;re here to help.

[Apply Today](/admissions/apply)

[Visit Manhattan University](/admissions/visit)

[Request Information](/admissions/undergraduate/request-information)

 

Image

      ![Aerial photo of Manhattan University](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-03/drone-2025-3200x2400.jpg?h=9b8bd6ff&itok=xYR2ar43)