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.

There is no out-of-state fee for online programs.  Tuition is $192 per credit hour for active duty, reservist, retirees, and their dependents.  NSU is also an AU-ABC, GEM, and MyCAA partner.

Admissions

Your decision to apply to NSU is the first step on your journey to becoming a NSU Demon and an important part of our great university.

Financial Aid

Our mission is to find the best possible aid package for a diverse student body to enable each of our students the financial ability to achieve their educational goal.

Online Degree Programs

Northwestern State University, home of eNSU—Louisiana’s first electronic campus—has delivered quality education since 1884. Today, eNSU offers flexible schedules, personalized instruction, military benefits, and financial aid for eligible students.

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).

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. For over 30 years, it has been a trusted tool for assessing college readiness and ensuring appropriate course placement.

ACCUPLACER provides immediate, accurate results and offers both placement and diagnostic testing to support academic success and targeted remediation.

To schedule the Accuplacer, click here. 

If you are an active-duty member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Services, you will not be required to pay for the Accuplacer Exam.  Prior to scheduling the exam, contact Ty Whatley, NSU at Barksdale Director, at whatleyt@nsula.edu or at (318) 677-3005 or Michelle Stephens, NSU Military Liaison, at stephensv@nsula.edu or at (337) 423-4917.

Northwestern State University is dedicated to working with military students and dependents to ensure a smooth process. Our military financial options include a competitive tuition rate of $192 per credit hour for active duty, reservist, retirees, and their dependents. We also recognize various Tuition Assistance programs such as Military TA, Montgomery GI Bill, Post-9/11, and MyCAA.

Tuition Assistance (TA) Process

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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 requirements, performance, 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.

  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. 

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).

For more information click here.

Northwestern State University is approved for the training of VA students and certifies the student’s enrollment to the appropriate VA Regional Office upon request. The NSU Veteran Services Office coordinates services to all veterans, dependents, guardsmen, and reservists attending classes who are eligible for veteran’s benefits. Any veteran who is enrolled at NSU who is eligible for VA educational benefits should notify the NSU Veterans Affairs Office when he/she wishes to be certified.

For more information click here.

Northwestern State University is proud to support our military community and their families by fully embracing the VA educational benefits and military/spouse tuition assistance programs. Eligible service members and veterans can use their GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon, and tuition assistance benefits seamlessly, while military spouses may qualify for Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA), veteran-dependent benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, and state-level waivers such as Title 29. Whether pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or certificate programs, our dedicated team provides personalized counseling, benefit certification, and academic advising to ensure you maximize your educational benefits. We also offer priority registration, flexible course formats—such as evening, online, and accelerated terms—and connections to career and transition resources, making it easier than ever for military families to thrive at Northwestern State University.

Bachelor’s Degree

Service members are eligible for college course credit at Northwestern State University based on completion of the Observer Coach Trainer (OCT) Academy plus 12 months serving at a Joint Readiness Training Center OCT.

With completion of the OCT Accreditation and requisite experience, Ft. Polk soldiers can apply to earn 16 hours of Military Science Leadership (MSL) course credit. With one additional course in military history, service members will have completed the requirements for a minor in Military Leadership. This minor can be applied to many bachelor degree programs offered at Northwestern State University.

For example, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology includes 120 credit hours. With the OCT Accreditation and experience, a soldier will be awarded 13% (16/120 hours) of the degree.

Some degrees do not have sufficient elective hours for the Military Leadership minor; therefore, total required credit hours will exceed 120 hours.

Master’s Degree

Service members are eligible for 9 graduate hours at Northwestern State University based on completion of the OCT Academy plus 12 months serving at a Joint Readiness Training Center OCT.

You can begin your Master of Science in Homeland Security or Master of Arts in Adult Learning and Development (with a concentration in Homeland Security) before, during, or after completion of the OCT Academy. These graduate programs range from 30–36 credit hours; use your OCT job-embedded training to accelerate completion of a graduate degree.

Students must meet entrance requirements for the NSU Graduate School.

For more information contact LTC Joshua Drake at drakej@nsula.edu or 318-357-5716.

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.

AU-ABC connects Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) graduates with pre-approved online bachelor’s degree programs offered by accredited colleges and universities. Through this initiative, CCAF graduates can apply their associate degree credits toward a bachelor’s degree, requiring no more than 60 additional semester hours to complete the program.

Key Features of the AU-ABC Program:

  • Open to all Air Force and Space Force enlisted members
  • Designed for graduates of a CCAF Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree
  • Offers fully online baccalaureate programs
  • Limits degree completion to no more than 60 additional semester hours
  • Partners with institutions holding regional accreditation or national accreditation through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

As an AU-ABC partner, Northwestern State University is proud to offer CCAF graduates the opportunity to enroll in our fully online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health degree programs. AU-ABC course tuition rate is $192 per credit hour.

Flexible Term Lengths to Fit Your Schedule
NSU offers multiple term length options each semester to help you balance your education with military duties:

  • Fall Semester: 16 weeks or 8 weeks
  • Spring Semester: 16 weeks or 8 weeks
  • Summer Semester: 12 weeks, 8 weeks, or 4 weeks

The current academic calendar can be accessed on the  Registrar’s Office webpage.

We Also Offer Academic Support Services:
To ensure your academic success, NSU provides a range of support resources, including:

Whether you’re stationed stateside or overseas, NSU is committed to helping you reach your educational goals through quality distance learning and personalized support.

For more information, contact Ty Whatley, NSU at Barksdale Director, at whatleyt@nsula.edu or at (318) 677-3005.

Northwestern is a partner in both CAT I and CAT II programs. As a partner in the CAT I program, CCAF Criminal Justice graduates can earn Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Northwestern by completing no more than 60 additional semester hours beyond their CCAF Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Click here to view the BA in Criminal Justice Course Matrix – CAT I

As a partner in the CAT II program, students may choose to take general education courses with Northwestern that apply to the Community College of the Air Force Associate of Criminal Justice Degree, and these general education courses will be accepted toward the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. This dual tracking option will allow students to fulfill requirements for both a CCAF Associate of Criminal Justice Degree and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice at the same time.

Click here to view the BA in Criminal Justice Course Matrix – CAT II

Northwestern is a partner in the CAT II program in the area of Allied Health for the CCAF Associate of Physical Therapist Assistant Degree. As a partner in the CAT II program, students may choose to take general education courses with Northwestern that apply to the Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree with the Community College of the Air Force, and these general education courses can be accepted toward the Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health. This dual tracking option will allow students to fulfill requirements for both a CCAF Associate of Physical Therapist Assistant Degree and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health at the same time.

Click here to view the BAS in Allied Health Course Matrix – CAT II

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.

Through NSU’s GEM Program, students can complete their CCAF Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree’s general education requirements entirely online, offering maximum flexibility and accessibility. NSU’s pre-approved courses in communication, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, and written communication are designed to align with CCAF standards and support the academic success of military learners around the globe. GEM course tuition rate is $192 per credit hour.

Flexible Term Lengths to Fit Your Schedule
NSU offers multiple term length options each semester to help you balance your education with military duties:

  • Fall Semester: 16 weeks or 8 weeks
  • Spring Semester: 16 weeks or 8 weeks
  • Summer Semester: 12 weeks, 8 weeks, or 4 weeks

The current academic calendar can be accessed on the  Registrar’s Office webpage.

We Also Offer Academic Support Services:
To ensure your academic success, NSU provides a range of support resources, including:

Whether you’re stationed stateside or overseas, NSU is committed to helping you reach your educational goals through quality distance learning and personalized support.

For more information, contact Ty Whatley, NSU at Barksdale Director, at whatleyt@nsula.edu or at (318) 677-3005.

  1. Math 1020- College Algebra
    Prerequisites:
    • A grade of ‘C’ or better in Mathematics 0920.
    • A sufficiently high score on mathematics portion of ACT, SAT or COMPASS exam. COMPASS Exam scores may be submitted from the Registrar’s or Record’s Office at another college or university, from an official testing office of a Technical College or Community College, or from a certified testing center. *A fee is required to take the exam and may vary depending on the testing facility. http://admissions.nsula.edu/act-sat-compass-placement/
  2. Math 1090- Trigonometry
    Prerequisite:
    • Registration in or credit for 1020 or consent of department head.
  3. Math 1060- Finite Math
    Prerequisite:
    • Undergraduate level MATH 1035 Minimum Grade of D or Undergraduate level MATH 1020 Minimum Grade of D or ACT Math 28 or SAT Mathematics 630.
  1. COMM 1010- Fundamentals of Speech
    No prerequisite is needed for the course listed above.
  1. ENGL 1010- Comp and Rhetoric I
    Prerequisites:
    • ACT Minimum placement test scores.
    • A sufficiently high score on English portion of ACT, SAT or COMPASS exam. COMPASS Exam scores may be submitted from the Registrar’s or Record’s Office at another college or university, from an official testing office of a Technical College or Community College, or from a certified testing center. *A fee is required to take the exam and may vary depending on the testing facility. http://admissions.nsula.edu/act-sat-compass-placement/
  2. ENGL 1020- Comp and Rhetoric II
    Prerequisite:
    • ENGL 1010 with a grade of ‘C’ or better or equivalent.
  1. GEOG1010 – World Regional Geography – The Developed World
  2. GEOG 2010‐ Physical Geography
  3. HIST 1010‐ Early World Civilization
  4. HIST 1020‐ Modern World Civilization
  5. HIST 2010‐ History of the United States (early)
  6. HIST 2020‐History of the United States (modern)
  7. PSCI 2010‐ Government of the United States
  8. PSYC 1010‐ General Psychology
  9. PSYC 2050‐ Developmental Psychology
  10. SOC 1010‐Prin. Of Sociology

No prerequisites are needed for the courses listed above.

  1. FA 1040‐ Exploring the Arts
  2. PHIL 1010‐ Intro to Philosophy
  3. SPAN 1010‐ Intro to Spanish
  4. ENG2110 – Introduction to Literature
    • Prerequisites: C or better in both ENGL 1010 and 1020 or the equivalent.

Anyone wishing to have an exam proctored in-person at Barksdale Air Force Base must obtain pre-authorized base access.

Meet the Team

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
318-423-4917

Marisa Kelly
Registrar’s Office/Veteran Affair Liaison
NSU Natchitoches Campus
kellyma@nsula.edu
318-357-6171

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