Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS)
Tops is a merit-based scholarship program administered through the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) in Baton Rouge. The Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed by students who are applying for TOPS. LOSFA updates a master roster every week. This roster identifies TOPS eligible
students based on FAFSA information, high school core curriculum requirements, ACT scores, and GPA. An official offer will come from LOSFA if you are eligible. You can
check your current eligibility status at www.osfa.state.la.us.
If you are eligible for the TOPS Tech award, you must be seeking an Associate’s degree in Business Technology or Care and Development of Young Children. The Delta TOPS award amounts are $812 per semester or $1624 for the year. TOPS Performance or Honors awards are eligible for an additional stipend each semester.
You must maintain continuous full-time enrollment or earn at least 24 hours for each academic year to keep your TOPS. If you do not earn 24 hours your TOPS award will be cancelled. The following minimum cumulative GPAs must be maintained:
| Type of Award | GPA required after fall semester | GPA required at end of academic year |
| Tops Opportunity | 2.00 | 2.30 the first year; 2.50 all subsequent years |
| Performance | 2.00 | 3.0 |
| Honors | 2.00 | 3.0 |
| Tech | 2.00 | 2.5 |
If your award is suspended because of GPA or steady academic progress, you may have your award reinstated upon achieving the required cumulative GPA, if the period of ineligibility is not over two years (one year for the TOPS Tech award or students using Opportunity, Performance or Honors to pursue a technical program). Cancellation of a TOPS award due to failure to earn 24 hours per academic year, is permanent unless you are granted an exception. Students must apply for the exception within 6 months of the award cancellation date. If you are granted an exception through LOSFA, you must submit a copy of your exception letter to the Office of Financial Aid. Go to the TOPS portal at www.osfa.state.la.us or contact a LOSFA representative at 1-800-259-5626 for more information.
STEP
Strategies to Empower People (STEP) is a family case management program designed to help all work-eligible recipients of the Family Independence Temporary Program (FITAP) move toward financial
independence. The Office of Family Support works with a network of community resources to connect these individuals with the resources they need in order to receive training to gain employment,
improve workplace skills and move up the career ladder.
STEP participants may attend any Community or Technical College within the Louisiana Community & Technical College System (LCTCS). The cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies will be covered for eligible STEP participants. Interested students should apply with their local Office of Family Support to determine eligibility for this program.
