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Northwestern State University is proudly designated a Governor’s Military & Veteran Friendly Campus (Silver)—a reflection of our deep commitment to serving veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and their families.

Why Choose NSU for Your Education?

Tailored Financial Support

Tailored Financial Support: Access veteran-focused financial aid programs, including Military Tuition Assistance, GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon, and other federal and state benefits.

Seamless Degree Pathways

Swap military experience for academic credit through Prior Learning Assessments and joint training agreements. NSU also participates in the AU‑ABC program to fast-track your degree with CCAF credits.

Flexible Learning Options

Choose from online, accelerated, evening, or in-person courses. We offer classes at convenient locations including the Leesville–Fort Polk campus and Barksdale Air Force Base.

Dedicated Academic & VA Support

The NSU Veteran Services Office, located in Student Services Center Room 335, provides expert guidance—from VA benefit certification to tailored academic advising.

Respecting Military Life

Concerted policies like pro-rated TA refunds and flexible options for mobilized students ensure fairness and support through life’s transitions.

NSULA campus during sunrise of pillars

No Out-of-State Fees — Just $192/Credit Hour

 

NSU offers no out-of-state fees for online programs, and tuition is just $192 per credit hour for active duty, reservists, retirees, and their dependents. We are also proud to partner with AU-ABC, GEM, and MyCAA, making it easier than ever to complete your degree and move forward with confidence.

NSU graduates celebrate as confetti bursts at commencement ceremony Play

Proctored Exams & PLacement Tests

 

All NSU sites provide a wide range of testing services for NSU students. Our goal is to support individuals in reaching their academic and professional goals by offering advanced testing options in a quiet, secure, and supportive environment.

 

We operate in accordance with the National College Testing Association (NCTA) standards and guidelines to ensure high-quality, reliable services. ACCUPLACER is a computer-adaptive assessment system designed to evaluate students’ skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. This exam can be scheduled in the Natchitoches Testing Center.

 

NSU student attends graduation cap and gown pictures

Basic Allowance for Housing

 

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance prescribed by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed Service members equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets within the United States when government quarters are not provided. A uniformed service member stationed outside the U.S. , including U.S. territories and possessions, not furnished government housing, is eligible for Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA).

NSU students gather on steps near Normal Hill

Tuition & Fees

Army/ National Guard
  1. Meet Eligibility Requirements:
    You must be an active duty, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve Soldier in good standing.
  2. Create an ArmyIgnitED Account at https://www.armyignited.mil using your CAC.
    *New Army TA users must complete the Kuder Journey decision-making tool at https://www.dantes.mil/kuder and upload the survey results to your Ignited account under the Career Path Decide tab. 
    *New Army TA users must also complete Army 101 training with your Army Education Counselor.
  3. Create an Education Goal:
    Log into ArmyIgnitED (www.armyignited.army.mil) and set up your education goal.
  4. School & Degree Plan Approval:
    Ensure your school is listed in ArmyIgnitED and upload your official degree plan if required.
  5. TA Request Submission:
    Submit a Tuition Assistance request in ArmyIgnitED no earlier than 60 days and no later than 7 days before the course start date.
  6. Approval Process:
    The request must be approved by your Army Education Counselor and command.
  7. Complete Course & Upload Grades:
    After course completion, your school usually uploads your grades, but it’s your responsibility to ensure they are posted in ArmyIgnitED.
  • You must pass with a grade of “C” or higher for undergraduate or “B” or higher for graduate-level courses to avoid repayment.
  • Failing to report grades may result in recoupment of TA funds

Active-duty service members should seek guidance concerning education benefits from their respective Education Services Office prior to enrolling. To get started, contact Michelle Stephens, NSU Military Liaison, at stephensv@nsula.edu or at (337) 423-4917.

Air Force/ Space Force
  1. Eligibility Check
    Ensure you’re eligible—generally active-duty Air Force, Space Force, and some Air National Guard/Reserve members qualify for TA.
  2. Complete TA Briefing & 5-Level Training Requirements
    Log into the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC) and complete the mandatory TA briefing. You must also have completed your 5-level Career Development Course (CDC), be actively enrolled, or have an approved waiver. TA cannot be used without satisfying these requirements.
  3. Set Education Goals
    In Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC), create an education goal that aligns with your intended degree program. This must be approved before submitting TA requests.
  4. School & Program Approval
    Ensure your chosen school is accredited and listed in AFVEC. Upload a degree plan for approval to link your courses with your education goal.
  5. Submit TA Request
    Submit a TA request in AFVEC for each individual course. Requests must be submitted 7 to 45 days before the class start date.
  6. Command Approval
    Your supervisor or commander will review and must approve your TA request. This is required before funds can be issued.
  7. TA Authorization
    Once approved, download your official TA authorization form from AFVEC. Provide it to your school to secure your funding.
  8. Complete the Course & Report Grades
    After course completion, your school usually uploads your grades, but it’s your responsibility to ensure they are posted in AFVEC.

    • You must pass with a grade of “C” or higher for undergraduate or “B” or higher for graduate-level courses to avoid repayment.
    • Failing to report grades may result in recoupment of TA funds

Active-duty service members should seek guidance concerning education benefits from their respective Education Services Office prior to enrolling. To get started, contact Ty Whatley, NSU at Barksdale Director, at whatleyt@nsula.edu or at (318) 677-3005.

Coast Guard
  1. Eligibility Check:
    Ensure you’re eligible—active duty Coast Guard members (officer or enlisted) and SELRES on long-term active duty orders may qualify. You must have sufficient obligated service (typically one year after course completion) and be in good standing with your command.
  2. Set Education Goals:
    Establish an education goal that supports your personal or professional development. Ensure the goal aligns with a regionally or nationally accredited degree program.
  3. School & Program Approval:
    Verify your school is accredited and your program is eligible for TA. The institution must also be recognized by the Department of Education.
  4. Submit TA Request:
    Log into the Coast Guard’s MyCG Ed portal (formerly known as ETQC or CG COOL). Complete and submit a TA application at least 14 days before the course start date.
  5. Command Approval:
    Your supervisor or command must review and approve the TA request, confirming it will not interfere with your Coast Guard duties and that you meet eligibility requirements.
  6. TA Authorization:
    Once approved, download your TA Authorization Form and submit it to your school’s finance or registrar’s office as proof of payment.
  7. Complete the Course & Report Grades:
    After course completion, your school usually uploads your grades, but it’s your responsibility to ensure they are posted in MyCG Ed system.

    • You must pass with a grade of “C” or higher for undergraduate or “B” or higher for graduate-level courses to avoid repayment.
    • Failing to report grades may result in recoupment of TA funds.

Active duty service members should seek guidance concerning education benefits from their respective Education Services Office prior to enrolling.

Marine Cops
  1. Eligibility Check:
    Ensure you’re eligible—generally active duty Marines with at least 24 months of active duty service (for first-term Marines). You must also be in good standing with your command and have completed any required counseling or orientation.
  2. Set Education Goals:
    Log into the Marine Corps Tuition Assistance portal (WebTA) via MarineNet. Establish an education goal (e.g., associate or bachelor’s degree) that supports your career and personal development.
  3. School & Program Approval:
    Verify your school is regionally or nationally accredited and approved through the DoD Academic Institution (AI) Portal. Make sure your degree program is eligible for TA funding.
  4. Submit TA Request:
    Submit your TA request in WebTA for each course. This must be done no earlier than 60 days and no later than 7 days before the course start date.
  5. Command Approval:
    Your commanding officer (CO) or designated official must electronically approve your request in WebTA. Approval is based on mission requirementsperformance, and your education plan.
  6. TA Authorization:
    Once approved, download your TA Authorization Voucher from WebTA. Send it to your school’s billing or financial aid office to secure your course funding.
  7. Complete the Course & Report Grades:
    After course completion, your school usually uploads your grades, but it’s your responsibility to ensure they are posted in WebTA.

    • You must pass with a grade of “C” or higher for undergraduate or “B” or higher for graduate-level courses to avoid repayment.
    • Failing to report grades may result in recoupment of TA funds

Active duty service members should seek guidance concerning education benefits from their respective Education Services Office prior to enrolling.

Navy
  1. Eligibility Check:
    Ensure you’re eligible—active duty Sailors with at least two years of service and in good standing. You must have no pending disciplinary actions, meet performance standards, and have enough obligated service (must remain on active duty through course completion).
  2. Set Education Goals:
    Log into the Navy College Program’s MyNavy Education portal at https://myeducation.navy.mil. Set an education goal that aligns with your career or personal development.
  3. School & Program Approval:
    Ensure your school is regionally or nationally accredited and your degree program is approved. You must have an official education plan from the school after completing at least two TA-funded courses.
  4. Submit TA Request:
    Submit your TA application in MyNavy Education no more than 120 days and no fewer than 7 days before the course start date. You must submit a separate request for each course.
  5. Command Approval:
    Your commanding officer or authorized command representative must approve your TA request. Approval confirms that your education won’t interfere with your duties and that you meet Navy TA policy requirements.
  6. TA Authorization:
    Once approved, download your TA Authorization Voucher from MyNavy Education. Submit it to your school’s finances or registrar’s office before your course begins.
  7. Complete the Course & Report Grades:
    After course completion, your school usually uploads your grades, but it’s your responsibility to ensure they are posted in MyNavy Education.

    • You must pass with a grade of “C” or higher for undergraduate or “B” or higher for graduate-level courses to avoid repayment.
    • Failing to report grades may result in recoupment of TA funds

Active duty service members should seek guidance concerning education benefits from their respective Education Services Office prior to enrolling. 

NSU Nursing student sits outside on campus

Your NSU Hub for Military Student Success

Military Spouse & Dependents

Northwestern State University proudly supports service members, veterans, and their families by offering full access to VA education benefits and military tuition assistance programs. Eligible students can use the GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon, and Tuition Assistance, while military spouses may qualify for MyCAA, Post-9/11 GI Bill® dependent benefits, and state waivers like Title 29.

Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or certificate program, NSU offers personalized support, including benefit certification, academic advising, and priority registration. With flexible course formats—evening, online, and accelerated—and strong career and transition resources, military-affiliated students can thrive at NSU.

Army Observer Coach Training

Bachelor’s Degree Credit
Service members who complete the Observer Coach Trainer (OCT) Academy and serve 12 months as a Joint Readiness Training Center OCT are eligible for 16 hours of Military Science Leadership (MSL) credit at Northwestern State University.

By adding one military history course, they can complete a minor in Military Leadership, which may be applied to most NSU bachelor’s degree programs.

  • Example: In the Bachelor of Science in Psychology (120 hours), OCT credit covers 13% of the degree.

  • Note: Some degrees may require more than 120 hours if elective space is limited.

Master’s Degree Credit
Service members may also earn 9 graduate credit hours toward a master’s degree with OCT Academy completion and 12 months of OCT experience.

Eligible graduate programs include:

  • Master of Science in Homeland Security

  • Master of Arts in Adult Learning and Development (Homeland Security concentration)

These programs range from 30–36 hours, allowing OCT-trained service members to fast-track degree completion. Admission to the NSU Graduate School is required.

Contact:
Michelle Stephens
stephensv@nsula.edu | 318-423-4917

Looking to Commission?

Northwestern State University proudly supports service members pursuing military commissioning and healthcare advancement opportunities.

 

Through a combination of academic excellence, flexible learning options, and dedicated faculty support, NSU helps active-duty, Reserve, and National Guard members meet the academic and professional requirements for programs such as Army Green to Gold, AECP, NECP, MECP, Army IPAP, and the Army-Baylor Programs.

 

Whether you are preparing to transition from enlisted to officer or seeking to serve in a specialized medical role, NSU offers the courses, advising, and mentorship needed to guide you every step of the way. Our commitment to serving those who serve ensures that military students can achieve their educational and career goals while continuing their mission of leadership and service to the nation.

  • AECP (Army Enlisted Commissioning Program):
    Allows enlisted Soldiers to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and commission as an Army Nurse Corps officer.
  • Army-Baylor Programs:
    Offers advanced degrees in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and nutrition preparing officers for leadership roles in Army Medicine.
  • Army Green to Gold:
    Transitions enlisted Soldiers to Army Officers through ROTC while earning a college degree.
  • Army IPAP (Interservice Physician Assistant Program):
    Trains enlisted service members and officers to become licensed Physician Assistants for the Army and other military branches.
  • MECP (Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program – Navy/Marine Corps):
    Permits enlisted Sailors and Marines to pursue a nursing degree and commission as a Navy Nurse Corps officer.
  • NECP (Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program – Air Force):
    Enables active-duty Airmen to earn a nursing degree and commission as an Air Force Nurse Corps officer.

To explore nursing programs that align with your military career goals and future commission opportunities, contact:

 

Michelle Stephens

Military Liaison

NSU at Leesville/Fort Polk Campus

stephensv@nsula.edu

337-423-4917

 

Ty Whatley

Director

NSU at Barksdale Air Force Base

whatleyt@nsula.edu

318-677-3005

 

To learn more about the Army Green to Gold program and how it can advance your military career and future commissioning opportunities, contact:

 

Department of Military Science

Phone: (318) 357-5157
Fax: (318) 357-6520
Email: nsurotc@nsula.edu

Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate

The Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) is a strategic partnership between Air University and accredited civilian higher education institutions, designed to provide seamless and accessible pathways for Air Force and Space Force enlisted members to complete their baccalaureate degrees.

Learn More 

General Education Mobile Program

Northwestern State University is proud to support active-duty Air Force and Space Force members by partnering with the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) as a participant in the General Education Mobile (GEM) Program.

 

Learn More 

NSU students painting the rock on main campus

Proudly Serving Those Who Serve: NSU’s Commitment to Military-Affiliated Students

 

Northwestern State University has a strong and lasting partnership with the military, providing educational opportunities that empower service members, veterans, and their families to grow both personally and professionally. Our collaboration with Barksdale Air Force Base helps military personnel, spouses, and dependents access quality higher education while balancing service and career goals.

 

For decades, NSU has been a trusted partner to the military community at Fort Polk and beyond. Our Leesville/Fort Polk campus serves Vernon, Beauregard, and Sabine parishes, offering vital resources and support for military-connected students.

Together, our faculty and staff bring over 100 years of experience serving military-connected students, many of whom are past service members themselves and understand the unique challenges that can emerge throughout a military career and beyond.

 

While our partnerships with Barksdale and Fort Polk are key, Northwestern State’s commitment extends far beyond these locations. We proudly serve all service members, veterans, and their families, regardless of where they live or serve. We are dedicated to bridging the gap between military service and civilian life through flexible learning options, strong support, and a campus culture that honors and invests in their future.

Chaplin Lake on campus of Northwestern State University

Mission, Vision, and Accreditation

 

Mission

We are committed to honoring the service of our active military, veterans, and their families by guiding and empowering them through a successful transition to Northwestern State University, fostering purpose, growth, and excellence in every step of their academic and personal journey.

 

Vision

To be the leading source of support, guidance, and advocacy for all military connected individuals, including active duty, veterans, and their families, by providing exceptional educational resources and creating a community where they can thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

 

Accreditation

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialists, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Northwestern State University of Louisiana may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

NSU students walk through Columns Apartments on campus.

Contact Us

 

Ty Whatley

Director

NSU at Barksdale Air Force Base Site

whatleyt@nsula.edu

318-677-3005

 

Michelle Stephens

Military Liaison

NSU at Leesville/Fort Polk Campus

stephensv@nsula.edu

337-423-4917

 

Marisa Kelly

Registrar’s Office/Veteran Affair Liaison

NSU Natchitoches Campus

kellyma@nsula.edu

318-357-6171

American flag over blue skies and clouds
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
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