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Louisiana TOPS Opportunity Award 


Name: Louisiana TOPS Opportunity Award

Award Amount: Varies (up to full tuition)

Information And Eligibility:
The Louisiana TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) Opportunity Award is one of the most widely used and impactful state-funded scholarships available to Louisiana residents. Designed to reward academic achievement and encourage students to pursue higher education within the state, the TOPS Opportunity Award can significantly reduce or fully eliminate tuition costs at eligible Louisiana public colleges and universities.

This scholarship is primarily merit-based, though students must also complete the FAFSA to confirm eligibility. The award covers the cost of tuition at public institutions in Louisiana and provides an equivalent tuition award for students attending approved private colleges within the state. By keeping students in Louisiana for college, the TOPS program also supports the state’s workforce development and long-term economic growth.

The TOPS Opportunity Award is available to students graduating from eligible Louisiana high schools who meet academic benchmarks in core coursework. Students must demonstrate consistent academic performance in required core classes and maintain satisfactory academic progress once enrolled in college. Unlike many competitive scholarships, TOPS is attainable for a broad range of students, making it one of the most accessible full-tuition opportunities available at the state level.

Once awarded, TOPS can be renewed annually as long as students remain enrolled full-time, meet GPA requirements, and continue progressing toward a degree. This makes the program especially valuable for students planning to complete a full undergraduate degree in Louisiana.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a legal resident of Louisiana.
  • Must graduate from an eligible Louisiana high school or approved home study program.
  • Must enroll in a participating Louisiana public college or university.
  • Must complete the required core academic coursework in high school.
  • Must earn a minimum 2.50 GPA in core academic courses.
  • Must complete and submit the FAFSA.
  • Must maintain at least a 2.00 cumulative college GPA to retain the award.

Application Requirements:

  • Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Submit proof of Louisiana residency if requested.
  • Ensure high school transcripts accurately reflect completion of required core courses.
  • Confirm eligibility through the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA).

Additional Details:

  • The TOPS Opportunity Award is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.
  • Students must enroll full-time each semester to remain eligible.
  • Failure to meet GPA or enrollment requirements may result in temporary or permanent loss of the award.
  • Students may regain eligibility under certain academic recovery provisions.
  • Award amounts are adjusted based on the type of institution attended.

Deadline: July

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Request to Update or Remove This Scholarship. The CollegeWhale ID number for this Scholarship is #14892. This Scholarship was added in December 2024 and last reviewed by a member of our staff on December, 2025.

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This Scholarship is tagged with the following criteria: Louisiana / Merit-Based / Need-Based

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