Location: Nationwide (training in Charleston, SC; potential duty stations worldwide) Pay: ~$70,000 annually while in college; $80,000–$90,000 starting post-graduation; $150,000+ by the end of a 5-year contract Bonus: $30,000 upon acceptance

About the Program

The NUPOC Program offers a direct pathway into one of the most elite and intellectually demanding communities in the U.S. Navy. While completing your degree, you’ll receive full pay and benefits as an active-duty Ensign. Upon graduation, you’ll begin a 5-year active-duty contract as a Naval Nuclear Propulsion Officer, leading highly trained teams and managing the operation of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers.

What You’ll Do

As a NUPOC officer, you’ll select one of several career tracks, each offering unique leadership opportunities:

Submarine Officer

• Lead as one of only a handful of officers aboard a nuclear-powered fast-attack or ballistic missile submarine.
• Responsible for the safe operation of the reactor, ship systems, and navigation.
• Gain hands-on experience in tactics, intelligence, and nuclear propulsion while serving in one of the most challenging environments on Earth.

Aircraft Carrier (Surface Nuclear) Officer

• Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power.
• Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton warship and its air wing operational.
• Combine engineering leadership with strategic-level operations experience.

Nuclear Power School Instructor

• Teach newly commissioned officers the fundamentals of nuclear science and reactor operations at the Navy’s Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC.
• Develop the next generation of nuclear-trained officers through rigorous academic instruction in thermodynamics, reactor physics, and systems engineering.
• Sharpen your own technical expertise while building mentorship and teaching skills.

Training Reactor Instructor

• Train officer and enlisted students on a prototype naval reactor — an operational, land-based nuclear plant.
• Oversee students as they perform watchstanding, drills, and reactor operations in real-world conditions.
• Gain unique experience blending engineering leadership, reactor operations, and high-stakes training.

Naval Reactors Engineer

• Serve in Washington, D.C. at Naval Reactors Headquarters, the program that Admiral Rickover built.
• Work directly with civilian engineers, shipyards, and national laboratories to design, develop, and maintain nuclear propulsion systems for the entire fleet.
• Gain unmatched technical project management experience at the intersection of engineering and policy.

Benefits

• Compensation & Stability:
  • ~$70,000 annually while still in school
  • $80,000–$90,000 starting salary after graduation
  • $150,000+ annual earning potential by the end of your initial 5-year contract
  • $30,000 signing bonus upon acceptance
  • Full active-duty benefits (healthcare, housing allowance, retirement accrual)
• Career Growth:
  • Accelerated leadership training
  • Hands-on experience with advanced nuclear propulsion technology
  • Career flexibility across Navy communities and post-service civilian careers
• Education Support:
  • Possible graduate school opportunities
  • World-class nuclear training pipeline in Charleston, SC

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. Citizen
• At least 19 years old and no older than 29 at commissioning (waivers possible)
• Currently enrolled in or completed:
  • Calculus I & II
  • Physics I & II with calculus
• No specific major required — applicants from all degree programs are eligible if coursework requirements are met
• Strong academic performance

America’s Navy is approximately 450,000 Sailors, 300 ships and submarines, and 3,700 aircraft strong. Water and salt flow through our veins in the same proportion as the sea. That mighty force is the lifeblood of the greatest Navy ever to sail unstoppably upon it, slip stealthily beneath it or fly unchallenged above it. And we defend with honor, courage, and commitment every hour of every day. We are America’s Navy. We are forged by the sea.