TOPS

Louisiana’s Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a comprehensive program of state scholarships. High School Seniors must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that corresponds to the year they plan to enroll in a post-secondary school to apply for all TOPS awards. The state deadline is published on the FAFSA. There is also an online application for TOPS available on the LOSFA website (www.osfa.state.la.us).

All TOPS awards require 16.5 units of high school coursework, constituting a core curriculum as follows:

Students entering the ninth grade in 2004-2005 and after must have 17.5 core units including 1 additional unit of higher level math or science. Information may also be obtained by viewing www.osfa.state.la.us or by contacting the TOPS program at 1-800-259-5626, ext. 1012.

UNITS COURSE

4 English I, II, III, IV

1 Algebra I

1 Algebra II

1 Geometry, Advanced Math, or Calculus

1 Biology I

1 Chemistry I

1 Environmental Science, Physical Science, Biology II, or Physics, Chemistry II

1 American History

1 World Geography or World History

1 Civics

1 Free Enterprise

1 Fine Arts Survey (or substitute two units of performance courses in Music, Theater, or Art; or substitute one unit of an elective from the other subjects listed in this core curriculum)

2 years Foreign Language (same language)

½ Computer education (or substitute at least one-half unit of an elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum). One credit in IBCA will fulfill this requirement .

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The minimum requirements for TOPS awards include a 2.5 core cumulative GPA on 16.5 core units and a composite score of 20 on the ACT. See your counselor for further information. Requirements are subject to revision by the Louisiana State Legislature during the legislative session. *Freshmen entering in 2004-2005 and after must have 17.5 core units including 1 additional unit of higher level math or science.

New Admission requirements to attend a four-year Louisiana University: a fourth upper level math or science course. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, please contact your Guidance Department.

Last Updated: 8/2/2008
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