Out-of-State Students | LSU Army National Guard

Tuition Benefits for Out-of-State Students

You Pay In-State Rates.

One of the most overlooked benefits for out-of-state students: enlisting in the Louisiana Army National Guard qualifies you for in-state tuition rates at LSU. The out-of-state surcharge — which can add over $15,000 per year — is eliminated.

①

Out-of-State Surcharge Waived

Guard membership qualifies you for the Louisiana National Guard Tuition Exemption, which includes a waiver of the non-resident fee. You pay the same tuition as any Louisiana resident at LSU.

②

Stack with Federal Tuition Assistance

On top of the in-state rate, Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) covers up to $250/credit hour, 18 credit hours per fiscal year. That's up to $4,500/year applied directly to your tuition — no repayment required.

③

MGIB-SR Monthly Pay on Top

While enrolled, the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) pays $493/month directly to you — for food, housing, books, or anything else. No active duty required.

④

Student Loan Repayment

If you enrolled at LSU with existing federal student loans, the ARNG SLRP pays up to $8,333/year toward those loans — up to $50,000 lifetime over your 6-year obligation.

💡 How Much Could You Save?

Out-of-state tuition at LSU runs approximately $28,000–$30,000/year for non-residents. In-state runs approximately $11,000–$12,000/year. The difference — roughly $17,000–$18,000 per year — is eliminated when you enlist in the Guard.

Add Federal Tuition Assistance ($4,500/yr) and MGIB-SR monthly pay ($5,916/yr) and the total benefit for an out-of-state student in a single year can exceed $27,000 in real savings and income.

📋 What About Room & Board?

Your MGIB-SR monthly pay ($493/month full-time) can offset living costs. If you perform qualifying active duty service through a Guard deployment or activation, you may begin accruing Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility, which carries additional education benefits. Ask your recruiter how Guard active duty service works.

The Enlistment Process for Out-of-State Students

Most of This Happens Near Home.

You don't need to be in Baton Rouge to get started. SFC Reagan and SFC Rayburn can initiate your process remotely. Here's how an out-of-state student typically enlists.

01

First Contact — Phone, Text, or Email

Reach out to SFC Reagan at (225) 436-2117 or SFC Rayburn at (225) 364-4225 by phone, text, or email. Your initial consultation can happen entirely over the phone or video call — no in-person visit required.

02

ASVAB — Test Near Your Hometown

The ASVAB can be taken at any Military Entrance Processing Station or recruiting office nationwide. Your recruiter coordinates with a local station near your home city. You do not need to travel to Louisiana for the ASVAB.

03

MEPS Physical — Near Your Hometown

Your full MEPS physical examination — medical, vision, hearing, and urinalysis — can be completed at the MEPS station closest to your hometown. Louisiana Guard coordinates with that station. You don't have to drive to New Orleans just for MEPS.

04

MOS Selection & Contract

Once medically qualified, your recruiter walks you through available Louisiana MOS vacancies and incentives. Contract paperwork can be coordinated remotely. Your enlistment oath can typically be taken at your hometown MEPS as well.

05

Basic Training & AIT — Scheduled Nationally

BCT and AIT are conducted at federal training installations nationwide — not in Louisiana. Your recruiter works with you to find a training window that minimizes impact on your academic semester. Many students train over summer break.

06

Report to Your Louisiana Unit

After training, you report to a Louisiana unit near Baton Rouge for monthly drills while you're at LSU. Your in-state tuition exemption and FTA activate immediately. Drill schedules are coordinated around the academic calendar.

MEPS Locations Near Common Out-of-State Student Hometowns

Dallas / Fort Worth, TXDallas MEPS

Houston, TXHouston MEPS

Atlanta, GAAtlanta MEPS

Chicago, ILChicago MEPS

New York / NJNew York MEPS

Birmingham, ALBirmingham MEPS

Jackson, MSJackson MEPS

Memphis, TNNashville / Memphis MEPS

Your recruiter coordinates with any MEPS station nationwide. Ask about your specific city.

✈️ What Requires Travel to Louisiana?

Very little — especially early on. Your first in-person requirement is typically your first drill weekend with your assigned Louisiana unit after completing training. Your recruiter can discuss specific unit locations near Baton Rouge. Everything before that can be handled remotely or near home.

After LSU — Your Benefits Go With You

Graduate. Transfer. Keep Everything.

You don't have to stay in Louisiana after graduation. One of the Guard's most valuable features for out-of-state students is the ability to transfer your unit membership to any state Guard when you move — while keeping your rank, service time, and benefits.

①

Transfer to Your Home State Guard

After completing your initial obligation period and upon moving back home, you can submit for an interstate transfer to your home state's Army National Guard. Your rank, MOS, and years of service follow you.

②

Keep Your Education Benefits

MGIB-SR entitlement, Credentialing Assistance, and any remaining FTA eligibility are federal programs that follow you regardless of which state Guard you serve in. You don't lose them when you transfer.

③

Continue Toward Retirement

Retirement points accumulate across all Guard service, regardless of state. Years served in Louisiana count toward your eventual military retirement at age 60 — even if you continue service in a different state.

④

SLRP Payments Continue

If you have an active Student Loan Repayment Program contract, loan payments continue as long as you remain in good standing in any Guard unit — including a home-state unit after transfer.

You Enlist In

🏛 Louisiana ARNG

While at LSU — in-state tuition, FTA, MGIB-SR, drill pay

⬇

You Graduate & Transfer To

🏠 Your Home State ARNG

Rank, MOS, service time, and federal benefits follow you

📍 How to Request a Transfer

Transfers are processed through your unit's S1 and coordinated between state headquarters. Your recruiter can connect you with unit leadership to begin planning a post-graduation transfer well in advance. Start planning 6–12 months before you graduate.

Benefits Summary · Out-of-State Students

Your Full Benefit Picture

🎓

In-State Tuition

Guard membership eliminates the out-of-state surcharge at LSU. Save $17,000–$18,000+ per year compared to standard non-resident tuition rates.

📋

Federal Tuition Assistance

FTA covers $250/credit hour, up to 18 SH/year through ArmyIgnitED. Applied to the in-state tuition amount — not the out-of-state rate. Up to $4,500/fiscal year.

⭐

MGIB-SR Monthly Pay

Chapter 1606 pays $493/month full-time directly to you — for rent, food, books, or anything else. No active duty required. Available from the start of your service.

💰

Student Loan Repayment

Existing federal student loans repaid at up to $8,333/year, $50,000 lifetime. Particularly valuable for out-of-state students who often carry larger loan balances.

🪖

Monthly Drill Pay

Earn military pay every drill period — starting at E-1 and increasing with rank. Pay deposited directly to your bank account, regardless of your home state or bank.

🔁

Transferable Service

All service time, rank, and federal benefits transfer to any state Guard when you graduate and move home. You're not locked into Louisiana — you're building a career that follows you.

Frequently Asked Questions · Out-of-State Students

Common Questions

Can I really do MEPS near my hometown? ▼

Yes. The MEPS physical is a federal process conducted at stations across the country. Your LSU Guard recruiter coordinates with the MEPS station nearest your home city. You don't need to travel to New Orleans unless you choose to. This is one of the most frequently asked questions from out-of-state students, and the answer is almost always yes.

Do I have to change my residency to Louisiana? ▼

No. You do not need to change your state of legal residency to enlist in the Louisiana Guard. You enlist as a member of the Louisiana ARNG while maintaining your home state residency. The in-state tuition benefit and federal education benefits apply regardless of your official state of residence.

What happens to my Guard membership when I graduate and move back home? ▼

You can request an interstate transfer to your home state's Army National Guard. The process is handled between state adjutant generals. Your rank, MOS qualification, service time, and federal benefits all transfer. It typically takes a few months to process. Your recruiter can help you plan this transition well in advance of graduation.

Can I miss drills when I go home for breaks? ▼

Drill attendance is a military obligation and cannot be skipped without an approved absence. However, if you're temporarily away from Louisiana, you may be able to do an Inactive Duty Training (IDT) attachment with a unit near your home location for that weekend. Discuss your academic calendar and travel schedule with your recruiter and unit leadership early — there are options.

Do the benefits start right when I enlist, or after training? ▼

The in-state tuition benefit and FTA eligibility begin after you complete your initial entry training (Basic Training and AIT). MGIB-SR eligibility begins once you are in the Selected Reserve with your MOS awarded. Your recruiter will give you a clear timeline for when each benefit activates so you can plan your finances accordingly.

I already have a lot of student loans from out-of-state rates. Can SLRP help? ▼

Yes — and this is especially valuable for out-of-state students. The ARNG SLRP is designed for exactly this situation. Up to $8,333/year is paid toward your qualifying federal student loans, with a $50,000 lifetime cap. Private loans and state loans are not eligible — federal loans only. Bring your NSLDS loan summary to your first meeting and your recruiter will review eligibility.