# TOPS Opportunity Award

> Amount varies from Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA). Deadline not listed on the award page; complete the FAFSA and check LOSFA for current dates.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/louisiana-tops-opportunity-award
- Provider: Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) (State)
- Award: Amount varies (TOPS Award Amount (tuition-based)), renewable
- Deadline: Deadline not listed on the award page; complete the FAFSA and check LOSFA for current dates
- State list: https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/state/la
- Official page: https://mylosfa.la.gov/students-parents/scholarships-grants/tops/the-tops-opportunity-award/
- Last verified by CollegesRef: Nov 6, 2026

## About this scholarship

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.

## Who can apply

- Residents of: LA
- Education level: High school student, Undergraduate
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- TOPS core GPA 2.5 on 19.0 core units, ACT 20 or prior-year state average if higher (no superscore), BESE-approved high school, enroll full time as a first-time freshman by the first semester after the first anniversary of graduation. Renewal: 2.30 GPA after the first year (24-47 hours), 2.50 thereafter, 24 earned hours per year, continuous full-time enrollment.

## How to apply

Complete the FAFSA during senior year; LOSFA uses it to evaluate TOPS eligibility. Make sure ACT scores are sent to LOSFA and check the student's status in the LOSFA account.

## Related scholarships

- [Ampirical STEM Scholarship Fund](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/ampirical-stem-scholarship-fund): $4,000 to $7,000
- [Cleco Power of a Promise Scholarship](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/cleco-power-of-a-promise-scholarship): Amount varies
- [TOPS Performance Award](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/louisiana-tops-performance-award): Amount varies
- [TOPS Honors Award](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/louisiana-tops-honors-award): Amount varies

## Explore Louisiana

- [Colleges in Louisiana](https://www.collegesref.com/state/louisiana)
- [Louisiana scholarships and grants](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/state/la)

Always confirm amounts, rules and deadlines on the official page before applying.