What is TOPS?

The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) provides students attending a Louisiana public college or university an amount equal to tuition at the school attended.  Students may receive TOPS for up to eight semesters. 

Who is eligible for TOPS?

Generally, only Louisiana residents who graduate from a Louisiana high school are eligible to apply for TOPS. To receive the award, students meet the eligibility requirements determined by LOSFA.

Who determines TOPS eligibility?

LOSFA determines who is eligible to receive TOPS.

How much does TOPS pay?

TOPS pays an amount equal to the tuition and mandatory fees in effect on January 1, 1998, plus any additional tuition and fees after that date authorized by the legislature to be paid by TOPS. LSU fees that are not paid by TOPS include the Technology Fee, Academic Excellence Fee, Operational Fee, various Facility and Use Fees, and any other fees added by the university that are not authorized by the legislature to be paid by TOPS.  There are three levels of TOPS: the Opportunity Award, the Performance Award, and the Honors Award.  The Performance and Honors Awards include stipend amounts.  For the fall 2008 and spring 2009 semesters at LSU, TOPS pays the following amounts per semester:

Opportunity Award    $1834

Performance Award   $2034

Honors Award           $2234

How is TOPS administered at LSU?

LOSFA notifies LSU of students’ TOPS eligibility.  LSU bills LOSFA for TOPS funds for students who have been determined eligible.  Due to TOPS retention requirements, (our site) LSU does not bill LOSFA until the 15^th class day of each fall and spring semester. TOPS funds are received by LSU and are applied to student accounts in the Office of Bursar Operations.  Because fee bills for each semester are due before TOPS funds are received, LSU places an anticipated TOPS credit on the fee bill for students who have  been determined eligible by LOSFA, or who appear to be eligible based on LSU records. Entering freshmen whose eligibility has yet to be determined by LOSFA must meet the following six criteria to receive an anticipated TOPS credit:

• Admitted to the university

• Graduate of an accredited Louisiana high school
• Filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the July 1 of their graduation year
• ACT score meets the minimum TOPS requirement

• GPA (as computed by LSU on core courses only) meets the minimum TOPS requirement

• Enrolled as a full-time student (12 hours)

  Some students who receive an anticipated TOPS credit based on LSU records, and not official notification from LOSFA, may be determined ineligible for the TOPS program by LOSFA. These students will be responsible for paying any charges to which the anticipated TOPS credit was applied.

  How can I get more information?

  For additional information regarding the TOPS program, visit www.osfa.state.la.us or contact:

  The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance                                    

  P.O. Box 91202

  Baton Rouge, LA  70821-9202

  Phone Number: (800) 259-5626, ext. 1012

  Email Address: custserv@osfa.state.la.us