Colleges nationwide have reported increasing enrollment in ROTC programs, and some involved in the programs say the heightened interest in military officer-training courses combined with higher education might signal a shift in public opinion of the war in Iraq.

Northeastern University has seen students graduating from ROTC programs increase by two-thirds. This year, 75 candidates entered Boston University’s program, up from 45 graduates in 2007, and other schools are experiencing similarly increased enrollment in academic military programs.

Boston University ROTC Major Cyrus Caby said ROTC enrollment offers the benefit of academic scholarships and financial aid. He said regular soldiers come from recruiting stations but officers must have a bachelor’s degree.

Increased enrollment may signal a shift of opinion about the war in Iraq, Caby said. While many Americans are dissatisfied with current U.S. policy, he said the possibility for change boosts morale and increases motivation to commit to military service.

“I see a change on the horizon and admiration for military service,” Caby said.

He said he thinks increased ROTC enrollment will not outpace the military’s ability to provide program benefits.

“There is an increase, but there’s not more than we need,” Caby said. “Not more than we’re capable of taking.”

In addition to ROTC programs at universities, schools exclusively for officer training, like the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, feed officers directly into the military. All the programs’ graduates are equal once they are commissioned officers, Caby said.

Boston College ROTC student Devon Kelly said he is among those who have benefited from ROTC service.

“ROTC pays for my education, offers allowance every month,” he said.

Kelly said he joined ROTC not only for the financial benefits of the program but for its educational opportunities, which he said have enriched his college experience so far.

“They’ve taught me a lot about leadership,” Kelly said.

BU College of Arts and Sciences freshman Katie Knight said while ROTC is worthwhile, it involves a definite military commitment she does not want. There are other ways for youth to experience the benefits of service, she said.

Knight is enrolled in the Civil Air Service cadet program, and described it as an organization that gives cadets between the ages of 12 and 21 a basic foundation in military service without a ROTC commitment.

“It will give a taste of military for young people, but for a lot of kids, it gives them something to dedicate their time to,” Knight said.