TOPS Opportunity Award

The TOPS Opportunity Award is the base level of Louisiana's Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, a merit program for Louisiana high school graduates who attend eligible in-state colleges. It pays the TOPS Award Amount, which is tied to tuition at the student's institution for the 2016-17 academic year unless the Legislature raises it. Students at private LAICU colleges receive a weighted average amount instead. To qualify, a student needs a 2.50 GPA on the 19-unit TOPS core curriculum and an ACT composite at least equal to the prior year's state average, never below 20; superscores are not accepted. The student must graduate from a BESE-approved high school and enroll full time as a first-time freshman by the first semester after the first anniversary of graduation. Renewal requires a 2.30 GPA after the first year and 2.50 after that, 24 earned hours each academic year, and continuous full-time enrollment. Louisiana National Guard members receive a tuition exemption plus a book stipend instead.