Air Force/Space Force ROTCDrill TeamColor GuardAir Force ROTC at Baylor University
Detachment 845 Baylor University · Bears · 845
AFROTC in Waco, TX runs out of Baylor University as the Detachment 845 Baylor University.
About this program
Air Force ROTC at Baylor University trains students to become officers in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, and it has earned national recognition: for academic year 2023–24 it was named the best medium-sized detachment in the nation by AFROTC Headquarters, edging out 49 other programs for the honor for the first time since 2008.
During the first two years, cadets take the General Military Course, studying Air Force and Space Force history and the fundamentals of leadership. There is no obligation to serve during those first two years unless a cadet accepts a scholarship — a low-risk way for students to try the program. Baylor and its cross-town partner schools grant academic credit for AFROTC courses.
Scholarships are a major draw: high school seniors can compete for up to a four-year scholarship, and cadets train alongside a motivated community of peers preparing to serve the country. The detachment is based in Baylor's College of Arts and Sciences in Waco, Texas.
Scholarships available here
Tuition + fees capped at $18,000/yr, plus $900/yr textbook allowance and monthly stipend ($300-$500); may convert to a housing scholarship (up to $10,000/yr). AY27-28 minimums: SAT 1310 / ACT 28 / CLT 93, GPA 3.3. Window: July 1 - December 11, 2026. Award type is fixed at selection - no upgrades.
Service obligation: 4 years
In-College Scholarship Program for freshmen/sophomores already enrolled in AFROTC. Merit-based with fall and spring selection phases; same capped/uncapped structure as HSSP plus the $10,000/yr housing conversion. The General Charles McGee Leadership Award (CMLA) covers non-scholarship cadets who receive an enrollment allocation.
Service obligation: 4 years
Tuition + fees capped at $36,000/yr, plus $900/yr textbook allowance and monthly stipend ($300-$500); may convert to a housing scholarship (up to $10,000/yr). Type 4 replaced the old in-state Type 7 award in the current HSSP structure. AY27-28 minimums: SAT 1310 / ACT 28 / CLT 93, GPA 3.3. Window: July 1 - December 11, 2026.
Service obligation: 4 years
Full tuition with no cap + $900/yr textbook allowance + monthly stipend ($300 freshman to $500 senior); may convert to a housing scholarship (up to $10,000/yr). Most competitive tier. AY27-28 minimums: SAT 1310 / ACT 28 / CLT 93, unweighted GPA 3.3, single test sitting. Window: July 1 - December 11, 2026; two boards (Oct 2026, Mar 2027). 4-year active-duty obligation (longer for rated career fields).
Service obligation: 4 years
Cross-town & partner schools served
Students at these schools can commission through Detachment 845 Baylor University by commuting to Baylor University.
Cross-enroll students take Aerospace Studies courses at Baylor University.
Cross-enroll students take Aerospace Studies courses at Baylor University.
Contact & location
Email: AFROTC@baylor.edu
Phone: 254-710-3513
Site: https://www.baylor.edu/afrotc
Located at: Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798
Air Force ROTC FAQ
Where is Detachment 845 Baylor University located?
Detachment 845 Baylor University is hosted at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. The detachment's training events, classes, and PT all run on the Baylor University campus.
Which colleges and universities can attend Detachment 845 Baylor University?
In addition to Baylor University, students enrolled at McLennan Community College and Texas State Technical College can contract through Detachment 845 Baylor University via cross-town agreements. Cross-town cadets keep their primary academics at the partner school and travel to the host for ROTC-side coursework.
What scholarships are available through Detachment 845 Baylor University?
AFROTC cadets at this detachment compete for AFROTC HSSP Type 1 (full tuition), AFROTC HSSP Type 2 ($18k cap), AFROTC HSSP Type 7 (in-state), ICSP (in-college). National awards apply out of high school; on-campus side-loads kick in once a cadet is enrolled and contracted.
What's the AFROTC summer training for cadets at Detachment 845 Baylor University?
Between sophomore and junior year, cadets compete for slots at AFROTC Field Training at Maxwell AFB — the gate that converts a GMC cadet into a POC contracted cadet.
How big is the corps at Detachment 845 Baylor University?
Public corps-size figures aren't always published year-to-year; AFROTC detachments in this size class generally carry between several dozen and a few hundred contracted cadets depending on host enrollment.
Has Baylor's Air Force ROTC won any recent awards?
Yes. For academic year 2023–24, the detachment was named the best medium-sized AFROTC detachment in the nation by AFROTC Headquarters, beating 49 other detachments — its first time earning the honor since 2008.
Do I have to commit to the military to try AFROTC at Baylor?
No. There is no commitment to serve during the first two years (the General Military Course) unless you accept a scholarship, so students can explore the program before deciding.
Can students at other schools join Detachment 845 Baylor University?
Yes — Detachment 845 Baylor University accepts cross-town and partner students from 2 other institutions, including McLennan Community College, Texas State Technical College. See the cross-town options for distance and enrollment paths.
Interested in Detachment 845 Baylor University?
Send your details and the cadre can reach out about visits, scholarships, and next steps.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or any branch of the U.S. military.