Types of Financial Aid

At Northwestern State University, paying for college is more affordable than you think. From scholarships and fee exemptions to federal aid and specialized programs, we’re here to help you unlock every resource available so you can focus on your future—not your finances.

Fee Exemptions: Save on Tuition and Fees

NSU offers a wide range of tuition and fee exemptions based on state law and university policy. Explore these opportunities to make your degree more affordable:

Veteran Affairs Fee Exemption (Title 29) — For children, spouses, and surviving spouses of veterans killed in action, who died in active service, or who are 90% service-connected disabled. Requires a certificate from the State of Louisiana, full-time enrollment, and a 2.0 GPA. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
National Guard Exemption — Tuition exemption for eligible National Guard members with a minimum 2.0 GPA each semester.
Senior Citizen Exemption — Covers eligible fees for students age 60+ (limited to 3 credit hours). Must register before classes start.
Firefighter Dependent Exemption — Covers children of firefighters killed or disabled in duty. Requires 2.0 GPA, full-time status, and not on probation. Police Officer / Firefighter Dependent Exemption.
Police Officer Dependent Exemption — For children of police officers, deputy sheriffs, or certain probation and parole officers killed or permanently disabled in duty. Requires 2.0 GPA and full-time status. Police Officer / Firefighter Dependent Exemption.
Law Enforcement Exemption — For officers pursuing degrees in Criminal Justice, Unified Public Safety Administration, Homeland Security, General Studies, Liberal Arts, or Business Administration (graduate: MA with Homeland Security concentration). Requires 2.0 GPA. Law Enforcement Exemption Application.
Military Fee Exemption — For active duty military, spouses, and children. Military Verification Form.
NSU High School Dual Enrollment — Tuition exemption for high school students in NSU’s dual enrollment program.
Out-of-State Exemptions — In-State status for qualifying students:
- Entering Freshman — 2.25 high school GPA, 21 ACT, no remedial work.
- Transfer/Continuing — 2.5 cumulative college GPA.
- Performance — Contract with CAPA, a Spirit Group, or ROTC; 2.5 GPA required.
- Texas border — Residents of eligible Texas border counties. Contact nsufinaid@nsula.edu.
- All Internet — 100% online students pay In-State tuition.
Faculty/Staff Exemption — For full-time employees of the University of Louisiana System (and certain partner colleges). Renew each semester. Faculty Staff Exemption.
Faculty/Staff Dependent Exemption — For dependents of full-time UL System employees; student must be claimed on parent’s tax return. Renew each semester. Faculty Staff Exemption.

Student Employment

Tuition Hardship Waiver: Extra Support When You Need It

This waiver covers Louisiana students for increases in tuition, the Academic Excellence Fee, and Operational Fee. To qualify, you must:

Be a Louisiana resident
Be enrolled full-time (12+ hours)
Apply for and be eligible for Federal Financial Aid
Qualify for Pell Grant disbursement

The waiver cannot be used with other scholarships exempting the same fees, and the amount will be no greater than the 10% increase. Apply each semester by:

Fall — October 1
Spring — April 1
Summer — July 1

2025–2026 Tuition Hardship Waiver

Federal and State Grants: Free Money for Your Education

Grants don’t need to be repaid—making them one of the best ways to pay for college.

Federal Grants: Pell, SEOG, TEACH, and Iraq Afghanistan Grants
State Grants: Go Grant

Types of Loans: Flexible Options for Any Student

Loans can bridge the gap in covering costs. NSU helps you borrow responsibly:

Direct Loans — including Stafford Loan Limits, Master Promissory Note, Counseling, Disbursement Rules, and Consolidation. Use the Loan Simulator.
Parent PLUS Loans
Grad PLUS Loans
Alternative Loans