Louisiana National Guard State Tuition Exemption Program (STEP)
Louisiana National Guard / Louisiana Department of Military Affairs
Free tuition at Louisiana public colleges for drilling Louisiana National Guard members.
- How much
- Full tuition at Louisiana public colleges and universities
- Who qualifies
- Louisiana Army or Air National Guard member in good standing
- Age 17+, domiciled in Louisiana, satisfactory drilling participation, not on scholastic probation; public Louisiana institutions only.
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Apply any time No deadline; applied each term while you remain eligible.
- How to apply
- Your school receives a list of eligible Guard members
- If you're not on it, contact the Louisiana National Guard Education Services Office (geauxguard.la.gov/education) to prove eligibility
- What you'll need
- membership
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (geauxguard.la.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
Under La. R.S. 29:36.1, a Louisiana-domiciled member of the Louisiana Army or Air National Guard, 17 or older, is exempt from tuition at a Louisiana public institution of higher learning. It can be claimed for five academic years or until an associate, bachelor's, master's or professional degree, whichever comes first (four extra years under a six-year re-enlistment), extended for time mobilized. At professional schools it's a credit equal to average undergraduate tuition. You must be a member in good standing throughout the semester; leaving the Guard or going on scholastic probation forfeits that term's exemption (you repay it). Pairs with the Louisiana National Guard Patriot Scholarship (mandatory fees) and with TOPS.
More money from Louisiana
- TOPS Excellence AwardTuition and fees or $12,000 per year, whichever is less (public); tuition and fees or $8,500, whichever is less (LAICU private)
- Louisiana Geaux Teach Scholarship ProgramUp to $5,000 per year
- Louisiana GO Grant$300 minimum to $3,000 maximum per year (set by your school)
- Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship$2,000 per year (undergraduate); $3,000 per year (graduate); $12,000 cumulative maximum
- M.J. Foster Promise Program$3,200 per award year ($1,600 per semester) full-time; up to $6,400 total (full $6,400 in one year for certain high-cost programs)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.