Frequently Asked Questions:
NEA Student Program Membership

• How do I join NEA as a student?
• Can I join online if I don't have a credit card?
• Who is eligible to join?
• Why should I join?
• How much does it cost to join?
• Can I join NEA without joining my state affiliate?
• I don't live in the same state as my college/university. Which state should I join?
• Can I join if I'm a distance learner?
• I don't have a United States mailing address, can I still join?
• How do I contact my local leaders?
• When will I receive materials from the NEA Student Program?
• Am I covered with liability insurance as soon as I sign up online?
• Will I have proof of liability insurance to show my university/college?
• What do you do with my personal information?
• Where can I find information on NEA programs and policies?
• I tried to join online and got a message that said, "Error Socket Failed?"
• Will my bank place a hold on my account?
• What should I do if I think I've been charged twice?
• What is a CSC?
• My son doesn't have a credit card so I'm signing him up. Whose E-mail address do you want?
• Where do I submit suggestions and feedback?

How do I join NEA as a student?

Eligible undergraduate or graduate students may join the NEA Student Program. Students can enroll online using a credit or debit card or by contacting the student organizer in your state.

Can I join online if I don't have a credit card?

Our online student enrollment form only accepts credit/debit payments. Contact your state student organizer to pay by check.

Who is eligible to join?

Student Membership is available if you are enrolled in a postsecondary program that is preparatory for employment in a position that will make you eligible for Active (teacher) membership in the NEA.

Why should I join?

As a student member of NEA, you'll have the nation's largest education association (3.2 million members) working to provide you with tools and resources for a successful career. Learn what NEA membership can do for you.

How much does it cost to join?

National dues are $15 per year. State and local dues are determined by individual state and local affiliates.

Can I join NEA without joining my state affiliate?

No. When you join NEA, you become a member of our unified family at the local, state, and national levels.

I don't live in the same state as my college/university. Which state should I join?

You must join the state where you are enrolled as a college student (i.e. if you live in Minnesota, but go to school in Wisconsin, you must become a Wisconsin member).

Can I join if I'm a distance learner?

We only offer membership to two online programs, University of Phoenix-Online and Western Governors University-Online. University of Phoenix-Online Students should join in the state where they live. Western Governors-Online students should join directly with the NEA under the District of Columbia.

I don't have a United States mailing address, can I still join?

Yes, please choose your country from the dropdown list. If your address is a US DOD APO/FPO address, enter

Street: PSC ### Box ### (just one of several common forms)
City: APO AE, APO AP, FPO AP, etc
State: NY or CA
Country: US
Phone: enter all the numeric digits; no punctuation. Limit 20 characters.

How do I contact my local leaders?

Check out this list to find the student organizer in your state.

When will I receive materials from the NEA Student Program?

The date you join determines when you'll start to get print materials — including our flagship magazine NEA Today. For example: If you join September 15th, you'll receive your first issue of NEA Today in November. This is because the magazine is produced nine times a year and its labels are produced six weeks prior to the issue date. Tomorrow's Teachers, the annual Student Program magazine, is published annually and mailed in February.

Am I covered with liability insurance as soon as I sign up online?

Yes! Coverage is immediate.

Will I have proof of liability insurance to show my university/college?

Yes! Immediately after your credit card is charged, you receive a welcome letter via email. This letter indicates that is your proof of liability insurance.

What do you do with my personal information?

Personal information is used by NEA to provide targeted information that addresses individual member interests and to improve services. Refer to our NEA Privacy Policy for more information.

Where can I find information on NEA programs and policies?

Visit "About NEA" to learn about our policies and programs. 

I tried to join online and got a message that said, "Error Socket Failed?"

Don't assume your application wasn't processed if you receive an error message. Check your bank or credit card account to see if the transaction was unsuccessful before trying again.

Will my bank place a hold on my account?

Once you pay by credit card many banks will place a hold on your account equal to the cost of enrollment. These holds are temporary and may last several days regardless of credit card approval or denial. They are bank processing requirements — NEA has no control over them. Refunds and credits are also subject to balance holds. Check with the bank that issues your credit card to find out how long holds remain. Remember to check your credit card statements. Notify NEA Customer Care if you notice a discrepancy.

What should I do if I think I've been charged twice?

Notify NEA Customer Care if you think you've been double billed. We will review your account within a couple of business days and remove any incorrect charges. We will contact you at the E-mail address you provided when you signed up.

What is a CSC?

CSC stands for Card Security Code. If you look at the back of your credit/debit card, there are either three or four numbers at the top right corner. We prompt you to provide the CSC for security. We are serious about preventing fraud. The CSC on your card is required before we can process your transaction.

My son doesn't have a credit card so I'm signing him up. Whose E-mail address do you want?

Put your child's E-mail address on the enrollment form so they receive all correspondence from NEA's Student Program.

Supply your E-mail address on the credit card entry so you receive transaction confirmation.

Where do I submit suggestions and feedback?

Your suggestions and feedback are essential to the success of the Student Program and we welcome your comments at NEA Customer Care.