Penn College News

Army ROTC participation is strong at Penn College

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Robust enrollment in the Army ROTC program at Pennsylvania College of Technology is reflecting the school’s national rankings and designations related to the military.

Penn College’s 26 cadets represent over half of the Bald Eagle Battalion, which also includes Lycoming College, Lock Haven University and Mansfield University. Four of the cadets are female students, a record high for Penn College.

Pennsylvania College of Technology is enjoying robust participation in Army ROTC. The college’s 26 cadets represent over half of the Bald Eagle Battalion, which also includes Lycoming College, Lock Haven University and Mansfield University. Four of the Penn College cadets are female students, a record high for the school.

“We are proud of our students’ strong interest in ROTC and what their participation in the program means for the strength and success of the Bald Eagle Battalion,” said Anthony J. Pace, associate vice president for enrollment and academic operations at Penn College. “The institution has a long history of supporting veterans, active military and those with aspirations to serve our country, such as ROTC cadets.”

Penn College was named the top school for veteran students in the Regional Colleges (North) classification in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings. It also consistently has received “Guard-Friendly” and “Military Friendly” designations.

The Army ROTC program comprises three types of cadets: contract scholarship – receiving an Army scholarship that covers tuition and fees; contract non-scholarship – receiving a monthly stipend from the Army; and enrolled – participating in the ROTC experience without a scholarship or contract. Twelve of the Penn College cadets are receiving scholarships.

In addition to scholarship and stipend benefits provided by the Army, Penn College offers free room and board to contracted cadets, regardless of scholarship status. All ROTC cadets also have priority scheduling and a dedicated space on campus to collaborate – the ROTC House.

“The ROTC experience has enhanced my college experience,” said Michael J. Giordano, a construction management student from Palmyra, who serves as commander of the Bald Eagle Battalion. “My three-year scholarship took the weight and fear of paying for college off my shoulders. As for the social side, the ROTC program is a built-in friend group, people I could easily connect with. This creates a tight-knit group who enjoy spending time together and look out for each other.”

The Army ROTC program is designed for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Besides their regular college courses, the cadets take classes on military science and leadership and train three days a week to meet conditioning requirements. Each semester also includes a three-day field training exercise.

After completing the program, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants and commit to four years of active duty or eight years in the Army Reserve or National Guard.

“I would encourage more students to consider ROTC because of the opportunities it presents,” Giordano said. “ROTC can be a door to a future career, networking, paying for college or even just friendship. It’s not all rolling through mud or running around outside. I think it’s a fantastic way to find your path in life while taking part in something bigger than yourself.”

Giordano plans to serve as an active-duty transportation officer, learning the logistical side of the military.

“Michael is just one example of the outstanding cadets at Penn College, who are enrolled in a variety of majors,” Pace said. “We are grateful for the way the college community embraces the Army ROTC program, and we look forward to building upon the strong rate of participation among Penn College students.”

For more information on Army ROTC at Penn College, visit the site or email

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