Air Force/Space Force ROTCDrill TeamColor GuardAir Force ROTC at Iowa State University
Detachment 250 Iowa State University · Cyclones · 250
AFROTC in Ames, IA runs out of Iowa State University as the Detachment 250 Iowa State University.
About this program
Air Force ROTC Detachment 250 has a long tradition at Iowa State University, having established its first cadet corps in January 1949. Since then it has produced generations of officers who have gone on to serve with distinction across the Air and Space Forces.
The detachment develops "leaders of character" through an integrated program that combines academics, physical fitness, and character development, challenging cadets physically, mentally, and morally as they prepare to commission as second lieutenants. Its mission is to commission leaders grounded in the spirit of Iowa State to lead tomorrow's Air and Space Forces around the globe.
Detachment 250 is open not only to Iowa State students but also to cadets attending Drake University, Des Moines Area Community College, and Grand View University. Whatever a cadet's major — from aviation and engineering to intelligence and support fields — the program offers mentorship and a community built on professionalism, camaraderie, and service.
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 250 Iowa State University by commuting to Iowa State University.
Cross-enroll students take Aerospace Studies courses at Iowa State University.
Cross-enroll students take Aerospace Studies courses at Iowa State University.
Cross-enroll students take Aerospace Studies courses at Iowa State University.
Cross-enroll students take Aerospace Studies courses at Iowa State University.
Contact & location
Email: afrotc@iastate.edu
Phone: 515-294-1716
Site: https://airforce.iastate.edu
Located at: Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-2103
Air Force ROTC FAQ
Where is Detachment 250 Iowa State University located?
Detachment 250 Iowa State University is hosted at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. The detachment's training events, classes, and PT all run on the Iowa State University campus.
Which colleges and universities can attend Detachment 250 Iowa State University?
In addition to Iowa State University, students enrolled at Des Moines Area Community College, Drake University, Grand View University, and Simpson College can contract through Detachment 250 Iowa State 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 250 Iowa State 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 250 Iowa State 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 250 Iowa State 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.
What's the commissioning path through Detachment 250 Iowa State University?
Cadets who complete the four-year AFROTC curriculum and meet medical, fitness, and academic standards commission as officers in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. The detachment reports through Air Force ROTC (Holm Center).
When was Iowa State's Air Force ROTC established?
Detachment 250 established its first cadet corps at Iowa State University in January 1949 and has built its legacy from that year forward.
What is Detachment 250's approach to training?
The detachment develops "leaders of character" through an integrated program combining academics, physical fitness, and character development, preparing cadets to commission as second lieutenants in the Air and Space Forces.
Interested in Detachment 250 Iowa State University?
Send your details and the cadre can reach out about visits, scholarships, and next steps.
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