PAYING FOR COLLEGE

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) allows students in any grade to earn college credit by passing a national test in over 30 different subjects.

Credits earned through CLEP testing are accepted at over 2,000  colleges and universities.  However, each school has its own policy in regards to accepting CLEP credit.  Be sure to research the CLEP policy at each college or university you are interested in attending.

Students may take CLEP exams for FREE by earning a voucher for successful completion of preparatory courses through the Modern States Website.

Dual enrollment is the simultaneous enrollment of a student at both high school and college in which the student receives credit on both their high school and college transcripts for the same course. LHS students may enroll in college courses at Northshore Technical Community College and/or Southeastern Louisiana University or LSU. Students enrolled in a college course follow the college curriculum. The course is taught by either the college instructor or a high school instructor who is approved to teach the college course.  These courses may be taught at LHS, the Advanced College & Career Magnet Center, or on the college campus.

With dual enrollment, students may begin accumulating college credits while still in high school, thus providing a smoother transition to college after high school graduation. Students also have the opportunity to complete college faster by earning college credits while still in high school.

Students must meet the admission standards of the college awarding the credit. Admissions standards vary between technical colleges, community colleges, and four-year universities. Contact the individual institution and/or your professional school counselor to discuss admission standards and other details regarding dual enrollment. 

Students in the Fast Forward Program will earn a universal transfer degree (TOPS University students) or a technical associate degree (Jump Start Students) on a post-secondary campus or Board of Regents approved satellite campus while earning a high school diploma. 

Students will spend grades 9 and 10 on the high school campus earning required diploma coursework. During grades 11 and 12 the majority of time will be spent on the post-secondary campus or Board of Regents approved satellite campus earning dual enrollment course credits (TOPS University students) or the 9 courses required to complete a Jump Start diploma pathway in addition to finishing the required coursework and electives to earn an associate degree.

FAST FORWARD HIGH-DEMAND APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAY

This pathway encompasses a vast array of careers or post-secondary pathways students may enter after participating in a Louisiana Workforce Commission approved pre-apprenticeship/ apprenticeship program while earning a high school diploma. 

Students will spend grades 9 and 10 on the high school campus earning required diploma coursework. During grades 11 and 12 the majority of time will be spent in a state approved pre-apprenticeship/ apprenticeship earning the 9 courses required to complete a Jump Start pathway or the coursework for the TOPS University pathway in addition to finishing the required coursework and electives to complete a full pre-apprenticeship/

apprenticeship experience.

Read as "FREE MONEY"! Scholarships are monies that do not need to be repaid.  Some are based on academic achievement, some on extracurricular accomplishments, some are essay or video contests, and others only require that you sign up for a chance to be chosen. 

Students may begin earning money for college today!  One thing to remember is that you should NEVER pay an application fee for a scholarship.  There are plenty of FREE applications out there.

Check out the links below for scholarship opportunities.

Scholarships for Freshmen

 Scholarships for Sophomores

TOPS Scholarship Program

Also read as "FREE MONEY"! Grants are monies that do not need to be repaid.  The main difference between a scholarship and a grant is that grants are need-based.

The most common grants are the PELL grant administered by FAFSA and the Louisiana GO grant administered by LOSFA.

You do not apply for grants until your senior year.  Seniors should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply for federal and state aid, such as TOPS, the PELL Grant, and/or the Louisiana GO grant.

Loans are financial aid options that must be repaid (with interest)!  It is important that you apply for "FREE MONEY" before resorting to applying for loans.  Student loans can be funded through federal programs, LOSFA, private companies and/or banks.

Loans should be your last resort!

Most school loans are eligible for deferment while the student is in school.  This means, you are NOT REQUIRED to make loan payments as long as you are a full time student.  However, interest will continue to accrue during this time.