TOPS Information for Louisiana Families

TOPS is a state-funded scholarship for graduates of any Louisiana high school who meet certain qualifications. Those qualifications can change in any year upon a vote from the Louisiana State Legislature.

Most TOPS awards only cover tuition (not fees) at public colleges and universities in the state of Louisiana for a pre-determined number of terms. For students looking to attend a private college or university in Louisiana, TOPS will pay a designated amount toward tuition at a private institution. That amount is determined by the legislature. TOPS does not pay toward any colleges or universities outside the state of Louisiana. In 2025, the state legislature created an additional TOPS award for the highest performing students that covers up to $12,000 in tuition and fees in a year.

TOPS Tech Award provides up to four semesters of tuition at a community or technical college for students who are enrolled in an approved technical program. To earn TOPS Tech, a student must score a 17 or higher on the ACT and have a 2.5 minimum TOPS GPA.

TOPS Opportunity Award provides up to eight semesters of tuition at an in-state public college or university. To earn TOPS Opportunity, a student must score a 20 or higher on the ACT and have a 2.5 minimum TOPS GPA.

TOPS Performance Award provides up to eight semesters of tuition at an in-state public college or university, PLUS an additional $400 stipend per year. To earn TOPS Performance, a student must score a 23 or higher on the ACT and have a 3.25 minimum TOPS GPA.

TOPS Honors Award provides up to eight semesters of tuition at an in-state public college or university, PLUS an additional $800 stipend per year. To earn TOPS Honors, a student must score a 27 or higher on the ACT and have a 3.5 minimum TOPS GPA.

Beginning in 2025, TOPS Excellence Award provides up to eight semesters of tuition and fees (not to exceed $12,000) at an in-state public college or university. To earn TOPS Excellence, a student must score a 31 or higher on the ACT and have a 3.5 minimum TOPS GPA.

(Ask your guidance counselor for help determining your TOPS GPA).

In order to keep TOPS at any level, you must maintain the minimum GPA requirement in college AND complete at least 24 credit hours in a calendar year. IF you choose to use TOPS for summer school, that will count as one of your allotted semesters.

TOPS is available for students who start a college program by the first semester after the one-year anniversary of their high school graduation. If you need more time to decide on a college pathway, reach out to a LOFSA representative to discuss your situation.

Yes, only LOFSA can provide 100% accurate and current information about TOPS. There are special rules for students who are home schooled in Louisiana as well as for Louisiana residents who spent their senior year of high school in another state or country. TOPS is only available for US Citizens and Permanent Residents. There is also an appeals process for a wide variety of special circumstances. Please refer to https://mylosfa.la.gov/ for the most accurate and up-to-date information about TOPS.