TOPS Information
Tops Calculator
Click here (please ignore the word "False". The calculator will update as you plug your grades in). You must Click on "FILE" then "MAKE A COPY" in order for it to work.
How do I apply for TOPS?
To apply for TOPS, you must use ONE of the two applications that follow. A parent or guardian MUST assist you in completing this application.
1. You Must Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if:
You think your family will qualify for need based financial aid or federal grant aid (click here for determination of federal grant aid eligibility) OR
You want to be considered for all programs, including TOPS, Federal grants, student loans and work study jobs, OR
You are an “Independent Student"
Click HERE to go to FAFSA on the web
2. You May Complete the On-Line Application for TOPS instead of the FAFSA if:
TOPS is the only state program for which you are applying
You do not qualify for Federal Grant Aid (Federal Pell Grant)
You are a Louisiana high school graduate enrolling in a Louisiana college after having attended an out-of-state college
Click HERE for the TOPS online application
TOPS Opportunity Award
The TOPS Opportunity Award pays the TOPS Award Amount set by the administering agency for a student at a particular institution during the 2016-2017 academic year unless increased by Act of the Legislature. If a student attends a college within the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the award amount will be the weighted average award amount that was set for public colleges and universities during the 2016-2017 academic year.
Standard Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum High School GPA of 2.50 (GPA computed on core courses only)
- 19.0 Core Units
- Minimum ACT Score (or SAT Equivalent) of the prior year state average; Currently 20
- Must enroll full time as a first time freshman, by the first semester following the first anniversary of high school graduation
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident
- Meet TOPS Louisiana residency requirements
*BESE-Approved Home Study Eligibility – ACT/SAT Score of 2 points above standard – Currently 22
*Louisiana Residents graduating from an eligible out-of-state/country high school – ACT/SAT Score of 3 points above standard – Currently 23
TOPS Performance Award
The TOPS Performance Award pays the TOPS Award Amount set by the administering agency for a student at a particular institution during the 2016-2017 academic year unless increased by Act of the Legislature plus an annual stipend of $400. If a student attends a college within the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the award amount will be the weighted average award amount that was set for public colleges and universities during the 2016-2017 academic year plus an annual stipend of $400. See http://www.osfa.la.gov/topsawardamounts for the award amount at your school.
Standard Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum High School GPA of 3.00 (GPA computed on core courses only)
- 19.0 Core Units
- Minimum ACT Score (or SAT Equivalent) of 23
- Must enroll full time as a first time freshman, by the first semester following the first anniversary of high school graduation
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident
- Meet TOPS Louisiana Residency requirements
*BESE-Approved Home Study Eligibility – ACT/SAT Score of 24 (1 point above standard in lieu of core units and GPA)
*Louisiana Residents graduating from an eligible out-of-state high school – ACT/SAT Score 26 (3 points above standard in lieu of core units and GPA)
TOPS HONORS AWARD
The TOPS Honors Award pays the TOPS Award Amount set by the administering agency for a student at a particular institution during the 2016-2017 academic year unless increased by Act of the Legislature plus an annual stipend of $400. If a student attends a college within the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the award amount will be the weighted average award amount that was set for public colleges and universities during the 2016-2017 academic year plus an annual stipend of $400. See http://www.osfa.la.gov/topsawardamounts for the award amount at your school.
Standard Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum High School GPA of 3.00 (GPA computed on core courses only)
- 19.0 Core Units
- Minimum ACT Score (or SAT Equivalent) of 27
- Must enroll full time as a first time freshman, by the first semester following the first anniversary of high school graduation
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident
- Meet TOPS Louisiana Residency requirements
*BESE-Approved Home Study Eligibility – ACT/SAT Score of 28 (1 point above standard in lieu of core units and GPA)
*Louisiana Residents graduating from an eligible out-of-state high school – ACT/SAT Score 30 (3 points above standard in lieu of core units and GPA)
TOPS TECH AWARD
Standard Eligibility Requirements
Minimum TOPS Core Curriculum GPA of 2.50 (GPA computed on TOPS Core Curriculum courses only)
21 units that comprise the TOPS Tech JumpStart Core Curriculum
Students may also qualify for the TOPS Tech Award by completing the 19 units that comprise the TOPS Core Curriculum for the Opportunity, Performance and Honors Awards
Minimum ACT Score (or SAT Equivalent) of 17 or the Silver level score on ACT WorkKeys (Click here for the LOSFA ACT and SAT codes needed to be added to your test registrations)
Must enroll full time as a first time freshman, by the first semester following the first anniversary of high school graduation
Be a US citizen or permanent resident
Meet TOPS Louisiana Residency requirements
*BESE-Approved Home Study Eligibility – ACT/SAT Score of 19 (2 points above standard in lieu of core units and GPA)
*Louisiana Residents graduating from an eligible out-of-state high school – ACT/SAT Score 20 (3 points above standard in lieu of core units and GPA)
TOPS Tech Award amounts differ by type of school attended:
— In a technical program at a public college or university: the Award Amount set by the administering agency for a student at that school during the 2016-2017 academic year;
— In an associate's degree program/shorter term training and education program at a 2 year public college or university: the Award Amount set by the administering agency for a student at that school during the 2016-2017 academic year;
— In an approved program at a four year public college or university that does not offer a baccalaureate degree in the approved program: the Award Amount set by the administering agency for a student at that school during the 2016-2017 academic year;
— In an approved program at a four year public college or university that does offer a baccalaureate degree in the approved program AND at approved proprietary and cosmetology schools: the average of the TOPS Award Amount for students enrolled in technical programs of study in public colleges and universities during the 2016-2017 academic year.