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Frequently asked questions

I'm ready to get started. What do I need to do?

Congratulations on taking the first step toward obtaining a degree with Louisiana Tech. You won’t regret your decision. Our goal is to provide quality education as timely and conveniently as possible for our students. Here is what you need to do:

  1. Complete an application online.
  2. Send original transcripts from all the colleges or universities you’ve attended to Louisiana Tech University, P.O. Box 128, Barksdale AFB, LA 71110.
  3. Contact a Barksdale Program advisor to develop a plan of study.
  4. Register for class. Early registration occurs several weeks before a Quarter begins. Watch for dates, times, and place for early registration. For our non-military students, a base pass is REQUIRED to get on base to attend classes.
  5. Classroom assignments are determined just prior to the class start date and will be posted on bulletin boards in the Base Education Center. You may also call our office to find out where your class will meet.

I am a civilian; am I still eligible to attend classes on Barksdale Air Force Base?

Yes! While enrollment priority is given to military members; retirees, civil service workers, dependents, and even off-base civilians are eligible to attend as well.

When is registration?

Early registration generally begins about one month prior to the start of each quarter and will conclude about a week after classes start. For first-time civilian students or those who do not have access to the base, you will need to attend the one-day only registration day which occurs about 2 weeks prior to the start of each quarter. Watch for the announcement of this event or call our offices to ensure you don’t miss out. This one-day event allows the Barksdale security police sufficient time to process your application for access to the base.

Do I need to get a new base pass for every quarter I attend classes?

Yes! You MUST obtain a new base pass for each quarter in which you are registered for classes. You can apply for these during early registration.

How do I get a base pass?

If you are currently enrolled in a Barksdale class, be sure to renew your base pass before your current pass expires during the early registration period.

For first-time civilians or for those whose pass has expired, you should attend the civilian registration day to apply for a base pass.  Effective Jan. 9, 2017, you will need a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, proof of auto registration, and a proof of auto insurance.

You can also stop by the Academic Success Center to complete necessary documentation to obtain a base pass. Call 318.383.5770 for more information.

Is a placement exam required?

For Math, a placement exam is required before taking Math 100, College Algebra, unless you’ve already earned credit for the equivalent of Math 100. You do not require a developmental Math course if your minimum Math ACT/SAT sub-score is greater than or equal to 19/460.

For English, a placement exam is required before taking ENGL 101 unless you have an ACT score of at least 18 or an SAT score of at least 450. ENGL 101 credit is granted if your English ACT score is at least 30 or you have a Verbal SAT score of at least 680.

Placement exams are given Monday through Friday in the Louisiana Tech Barksdale Program office on the third floor of the Education Center, Building 4314. Please call ahead of time to ensure a proctor is available when you would like to take an exam.

How much is tuition?

The current cost is $214 per credit hour (Tuition and fees subject to change). For up-to-date costs, visit Tuition and Fees. Typical classes are three semester hours. Textbooks are not included in this cost.

Is financial aid available?

Yes! You can find information about grants, scholarships, and loans can be obtained on the Financial Aid web site at Louisiana Tech University. Additionally, the Barksdale office has a VA certifying officer available to discuss accessing your applicable Veterans Administration education benefits. Military members may use applicable Tuition Assistance benefits.

Who are the Barksdale Program Advisors and what are their office hours?

You may want to make an appointment an advisor to ensure availability.

Undergraduate Advisors

Mr. Michael Solice – Monday through Thursday 11:00-12:00, 1:00-2:00, 3:30-5:30.
Ms. Michelle Byrd – Monday through Thursday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Where do I park?

Parking is heavily restricted around the education center. Louisiana Tech Barksdale students may park only in the following areas:

  1. Parking north or west of the Base Education Center on Douhet Dr or Louisiana Blvd.
  2. Parking north of the Chapel Annex on Louisiana Blvd or south of the Annex in the parking lot between Burger King and Chapel.
  3. Parking lot next to Base Civil Engineering located on Kenney Ave.

Parking is strictly prohibited in the following areas and will result in a parking ticket being issued by the Barksdale Security Forces Law Enforcement patrols:

  1. Chapel Annex north parking lot.
  2. Burger King parking lot.
  3. Parking lot north of the education center. This lot is by special permit only for dormitory residents, Education Center employees, and university faculty and staff. The Barksdale Air Force Base-issued decal or vehicle permit does not allow parking in this lot.

How do I purchase my textbooks?

Books and other Tech items may be purchased from the Louisiana Tech University Bookstore in Ruston or online: Louisiana Tech Bookstore.

Will I have access to the University library?

Yes! The Prescott Memorial Library is located on the Louisiana Tech University campus in Ruston. The library is available online to all Louisiana Tech students. A non-photo Louisiana Tech University I.D. card is necessary for checking out books from the Prescott Memorial Library. Click on the following link to access and print the Non-Photo I.D. application form. Access the Prescott Library here: Prescott Memorial Library.

How will I find out my grade?

Grades are posted approximately three business days after a quarter ends on the Louisiana Tech University web site here.

What are my rights and responsibilities as a student?

You can find useful student information here.

What is the smoking policy at Tech Barksdale?

Smoking is permitted in designated areas outside the Education Center. Smoking is not permitted within fifty feet of the building.

Who do I see if I can't find an answer to my questions?

Start with our administrative office in the Base Education Center, Room 312 or call 318.456.5005 or 318.456.5006.

If you are still not satisfied, the Director of Louisiana Tech’s Barksdale Program is Michael Solice. You can reach him at 318.456.5005 or by email at msolice@latech.edu.

How can I use Tuition Assistance and/or GI Bill?

Tech Barksdale accepts Tuition Assistance and GI Bill. Contact Tech Barksdale for information about how you can use your unique entitlement to attend.

What is the refund policy for Tech Barksdale?

The Barksdale’s Program Tuition Assistance [TA] refund schedule applies to the payment made by the United States Air Force for the TA program and only applies to the amount the Air Force pays for TA.  It has no bearing on the amount charged for tuition.

Louisiana Tech’s refund schedule applies to the charged tuition amount and applies to all students on a per course basis for Barksdale courses, including active-duty personnel receiving TA.

 

TIMEFRAME TUITION REFUND % TA RETURN %
Before start of classes 100% 100%
Class start date 90% 90%
End of Week 1 90% 90%
End of Week 2 70% 80%
End of Week 3 40% 70%
End of Week 4 0% 60%
End of Week 5 0% 50%
End of Week 6 0% 40%
End of Week 7 0% 30%
After Week 7 0% 0%

What is my Cost of Attendance?

The Cost of Attendance calculator provides an estimate of the costs associated with attending Louisiana Tech University.  The elements associated with the Cost of Attendance include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Tuition and Fees
  • Books, Course Material, Supplies, and Equipment
  • Transportation
  • Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
  • Living Expenses (Food and Housing)

To calculate your estimated Cost of Attendance, click here to be taken to our Cost of Attendance calculator.