What is TOPS?

TOPS is the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students that provides Louisiana high school graduates meeting specific eligibility requirements with a scholarship if they choose to attend a Louisiana public college or university.

Who is eligible for TOPS?

Each year, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) evaluates the records of all Louisiana high school graduates to determine who is eligible for the program. LOSFA notifies high school graduates of their eligibility during the summer following their high school graduation.

How much does TOPS pay?

TOPS pays an amount equal to the tuition and some required student fees. The student fees covered by the TOPS program are those in effect on January 1, 1998, plus any additional fees after that date authorized by the Legislature to be paid by TOPS. The TOPS award has three levels: Honors Award, Performance Award, and Opportunity Award. Students are notified of their TOPS level in their initial eligibility letter. For the LSU 2012-2013 academic year, TOPS paid at the following amounts:

How is TOPS administered at LSU?

LOSFA notifies LSU of each student’s TOPS eligibility. LSU uses this notification to place an anticipated TOPS credit on eligible students’ fee bills. LSU is responsible for notifying LOSFA whether or not a student remained enrolled full-time through the 14th class day each fall and spring semester. Once the enrollment is verified on the 15th class day, LSU will bill LOSFA for the funding to cover the anticipated credits. Students who do not enroll, resign from the University or drop below full-time status may jeopardize their TOPS award. Please check with the Office of Enrollment Management before choosing not to enroll, resigning from the University, dropping below full-time, retroactively resigning or retroactively dropping below full-time.

Where can I find more details on the TOPS award?

Additional details on the TOPS award including the specific retention requirements of each award level can be found at www.osfa.la.gov or by contacting LOSFA, TOPS department at 1-800-259-5626, ext. 1012.

Important Facts about Tops:

• Students must be enrolled for full-time hours on the 15th day of class to receive payment for TOPS for that semester!
• Students must earn 24 credit hours each year (Fall/Winter Session/Spring/Spring Intersession/Summer) and maintain the required GPA for their TOPS Award
• GPA Requirement:
  • 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of each fall, intersession or summer semesters
  • The following GPA’s will be checked at the end of each Spring semester:
    • • Below 48 hours earned – 2.3 GPA
      • 48 or above hours earned – 2.5 GPA
      • Performance or Honors Recipient – 3.0 GPA