Seaman to Admiral-21
ABOUT THE STA-21 PROGRAM
The Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21) offers high performing Sailors a path to commissioning as Officers in the US Navy. Participants remain on active duty, at their current enlisted pay grade, and receive all the pay, allowances, benefits, and privileges they currently enjoy and remain eligible for enlisted advancement while in the program. In addition, Sailors will receive up to $10,000 per year to cover tuition, books, and fees. The Sailor is responsible for any costs above $10,000 per year. Additionally, as active duty military members, Sailors immediately qualify for in-state residency and are eligible for the Illinois State Tuition Waiver per local Unit Policies.
Although the applicant’s history of fleet performance will receive consideration during the selection process, emphasis will be placed on the identification of those applicants who possess the academic and leadership potential necessary to become outstanding Naval Officers.
Applicants interested in applying to UIUC should contact the Nuclear Power Officer (NPO) early to ensure no application deadlines are missed.
For more information visit the STA-21 website
FINANCIAL AID FOR STA-21 STUDENT:
Students who enlisted in Illinois are eligible to receive the Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG), which waives tuition and non-refundable fees up to 120 credit hours. Additional financial aid programs are available through the University of Illinois and various state and local resources.
For more information, visit the University of Illinois Veterans Resources website.
REQUIREMENTS AT THE WGNB:
STA-21 Officer Candidates are held to a high standard of academics and performance. A minimum course load for a STA-21 student at the University of Illinois is 15 credit hours per semester and 6 credit hours per Summer session, with a minimum term GPA of 3.00.
Prior to arrival at UIUC, all STA-21 candidates will be required to complete a degree completion plan (DCP) with the Unit’s STA-21 Coordinator. This DCP will serve as a road-map to obtaining a bachelor’s degree within three year. In addition to your degree-specific requirements, the following classes are not offered at the NSI, and must be taken in order to earn a commission:
- NS 203 Naval Organization Management
- NS 308 Leadership and Ethics
APPROVED MAJORS FOR STA-21 NUCLEAR OPTION CANDIDATES:
The following technical majors are the approved majors for nuclear option students:
- Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
Contact Information:
Mr. Haadi Elsaawy, LT, USN
Surface Warfare Officer (Nuclear)
Unit STA-21 Coordinator / NPO
helsaawy (at) illinois.edu
217-333-3973