There are two programs for college students through the Air Force ROTC Program -- the four-year program and the two-year program. Students enroll in Air Force ROTC classes in the same manner as for other college courses.

Courses in the ROTC Program normally receive academic credit as part of a student's electives. At each host institution, ROTC has the status of a separate academic department. Each instructor is an active duty Air Force officer and holds the academic rank of assistant professor. The unit commander has an academic rank of full professor.