DoD Cyber Scholarship retention students must fulfill post-academic service obligations pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2200a. Selected applicants are obligated to maintain good standing in their degree programs, to continue in service as civilian employees or military members, and, where applicable, to repay program costs for failure to complete the degree program satisfactorily and/or to fulfill the service commitment consistent with 10 U.S.C. 2200a(b)(2) and (3) and the policies of the Department and the respective Component. All retention students will be required to sign a continued service agreement.

• Members of the Military Services shall serve on active duty while fulfilling service obligations defined by their respective Component. While the service obligation is at the discretion of the respective Component, members of the military services may use the following times as a baseline:
  • 2 years for the Community College program
  • 4 years for an undergraduate program (JCAC – only)
  • 3-5 years for graduate programs
• DoD civilian employees shall sign a continued service agreement with their parent organization or Component that complies with 10 U.S.C. 2200a, prior to commencement of their education, to continue service within the Department of Defense upon conclusion of their education, for a period equal to:
  • 3 years for the Community College program
  • 5 years for graduate programs (Graduate Certificate, Master’s, PhD, and Doctorate)
  • NOTE: The Component OPR may put additional service requirements on the applicant.

If selected, retention students may be required to additionally sign a Student Code of Conduct Agreement, a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) waiver required for release of transcripts, and other additional forms as required.

Any questions? Email AskCySP@nsa.gov