Louisiana TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students)

TOPS pays Louisiana high school graduates toward tuition (based on the state's 2016-17 tuition rate unless later increased by the Legislature) at Louisiana colleges, after completing the required TOPS Core Curriculum. The Opportunity Award requires a 2.50 TOPS Core GPA and an ACT composite of at least 20 (or the prior year's state average, whichever is higher; 23 for out-of-state graduates); the Performance Award requires a 3.25 Core GPA (raised from 3.00 effective with the Class of 2022 onward) and ACT 23, adding a $400/year stipend; the Honors Award requires a 3.50 Core GPA and ACT 27, adding an $800/year stipend. A separate TOPS Tech Award serves technical/vocational programs.

Eligibility

DemographicsPerformance Award requires a 3.25 Core GPA effective with the graduating Class of 2022 onward. Opportunity requires 2.50 GPA and ACT at or above the greater of 20 or the prior-year Louisiana state average; Honors requires 3.50 GPA and ACT 27. All GPAs are computed on TOPS Core Curriculum courses only; SAT-equivalent scores are accepted for each ACT threshold. Requires completion of the TOPS Core Curriculum; renewal GPA thresholds are lower than initial-eligibility GPA.

Applying

Pays the 2016-17 tuition-rate amount at the student's Louisiana public institution, based on the cost of tuition for the 2016-2017 academic year unless increased by an Act of the Legislature, plus a $400/year stipend for Performance or $800/year for Honors (no stipend for Opportunity).