Seaman to Admiral (STA-21)

The Seaman to Admiral – 21 was designed to combine a number of commissioning programs into one. With this new program, enlisted Sailors are given the opportunity to receive a commission while maintaining the benefits of being active duty. Sailors receive up to $10,000 per year for books, fees, and tuition. Upon graduation, Sailors will receive a commission.

See also OSU Military Experience Credits | Battalion Goals

Getting Started

Congratulations on being selected for the STA-21 program! The application process for STA-21 Officer Candidates does not differ greatly from the regular OSU admissions process. Please see the Admissions Office website for links to apply. Those with less than 24 college credits completed will need to apply as First-Year Students while students with greater than 24 college credits will apply as a Transfer Student. See the Military and Veterans Resources Center for more information on getting the application fee waived. As you will not receive orders to Corvallis until you are accepted at OSU, you may submit a copy of your most recent orders in support of that application.

OSU NROTC has a set of preapproved majors for prospective STA-21 students. You will need to complete a degree completion plan (DCP) for your intended major showing all classes you will take during your 36-month tenure. Some majors may have a three-year template available for your use as they process many STA-21 students, while others may only provide a four-year plan on their website. See respective undergraduate program websites at OSU for assistance or reach out to an undergraduate advisor with the respective major. In addition to your major-required courses, the STA-21 program requires you take an additional set of Calculus, Physics, and English courses, many of which overlap with engineering major requirements. Details can be found in the OSU NROTC Requirements matrix.

Financial Information

OSU is an accredited school for Core, Nuke, and Pilot options for Officer Candidates (OC). The Navy allows $10,000 per academic year for books, tuition and fees broken down into a $2500 per quarter payment directly to the student’s university tuition bill. In addition to STA-21 tuition payments, students should anticipate paying up to $3000-$5000 per quarter depending on Oregon residency status and major. OSU grants active duty service members Oregon resident tuition rates following petition. See the Military and Veterans Resources Center page for more information.

The NROTC unit does not cover the upfront costs of books, calculators, pens, pencils and notebooks and they are not reimbursable. The College of Engineering requires all incoming freshmen and transfer students to have a laptop computer with wireless capabilities. Exact specifications for Engineering computer requirements can be found on their website. The STA-21 program will not reimburse for this purchase, so please plan accordingly.

OCs are strongly encouraged to fill out FAFSA forms to apply for scholarships through OSU Financial Aid, and independent sources. Be sure to fill out the information accurately and account for ALL income and funds received from the Navy, including the $10,000 scholarship and BAH/BAS. Failure to supply this information during application for need-based financial aid is considered fraudulent.

Additional Information

For information regarding family resources on campus, please check out the Oregon State University Family Resources Center page, or give them a call at (541) 737-4906.

At Oregon State University active-duty sailors are fully integrated within the Battalion. They participate in weekly physical training, battalion drill and labs, as well as holding positions within the battalion chain of command. Various billets are assigned to OCs, and their midshipmen counterparts, in order for their professional development and leadership skills.

 

Please email our Submarine Officer with any further questions you may have.