Serving Those Who Serve
Tailored Financial Support: Access veteran-focused financial aid programs, including Military Tuition Assistance, GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon, and other federal and state benefits.
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.
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.
The NSU Veteran Services Office, located in Student Services Center Room 335, provides expert guidance—from VA benefit certification to tailored academic advising.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Active duty service members should seek guidance concerning education benefits from their respective Education Services Office prior to enrolling.
Active duty service members should seek guidance concerning education benefits from their respective Education Services Office prior to enrolling.
Active duty service members should seek guidance concerning education benefits from their respective Education Services Office prior to enrolling.
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.
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
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.
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
337-423-4917
Ty Whatley
Director
NSU at Barksdale Air Force Base
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
Ty Whatley
Director
NSU at Barksdale Air Force Base Site
318-677-3005
Michelle Stephens
Military Liaison
NSU at Leesville/Fort Polk Campus
337-423-4917
Marisa Kelly
Registrar’s Office/Veteran Affair Liaison
NSU Natchitoches Campus
318-357-6171