Cadets entering the Advanced Course need to make a commitment to serve in either the Active Army, Reserves, or National Guard. Normally this commitment is made by the choice of scholarships taken. Some cadets, may opt not to take a scholarship. By doing this they delay the decision about serving in the Active Army or in the Reserves or National Guard until just before their senior year when they will be contracted to serve. On the other hand, cadets who have already made the decision to commit service to the US Army can apply for scholarships.
A non-scholarship cadet receives a monthly stipend of $420.