Download - LOSFA Administered Programs
Louisiana’s First Choice for College Access
LOSFA Administered Programs
TOPSSTART Saving ProgramTOPS Tech Early Start ProgramChafee Educational Training Voucher (ETV) ProgramSafer Volunteer Firemen’s Tuition ReimbursementEarly StartGo GrantRockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship
TOPS The TOPS program was created by the
Louisiana legislature in 1997 under the administration of Governor Mike Foster 1998 was the first award year for both 1997 and
1998 graduates
TOPS is funded through the State General Fund and the Millennium Trust Fund TOPS funds must be appropriated each year by
the Legislature
Citizenship, Residency &Criminal Convictions Citizenship A student must be a U.S. citizen, or a permanent
resident who is eligible to apply for citizenship Residency 24 consecutive months for a parent or custodian of
a dependent student OR A student who has resided in Louisiana, completed
their last two full years of high school in an approved school and graduated, as certified by the high school, shall have met the residency requirement for TOPS
Criminal Convictions Must not have any criminal convictions. This does
exclude misdemeanor traffic violations
Residency: Military Dependents A dependent of a member of the U.S.
Armed forces, who is transferred to Louisiana under permanent change of station orders, will be considered a resident for purposes of TOPS if the military member: Changes his/her military personnel records to
establish Louisiana as the member’s official state of residence within 180 days of reporting
Complies with Louisiana income tax laws Submits an Affidavit of Residency and DD Form
2058
TOPS Core CurriculumFor students graduating in 2012 and 2013
English English I English II English III English IV
TOPS Core CurriculumFor students graduating in 2012 and 2013 Math
Algebra I or Integrated Mathematics I Or Applied Algebra 1 Or Algebra I – Parts 1 & 2 (two units) Or Applied Algebra 1A & 1B (two units) Or Applied Mathematics I & II (two units)
Algebra II or Integrated Mathematics II
Geometry, Applied Geometry, Calculus, Advanced Math Pre-Calculus, Advanced Math Functions and Statistics, Pre-Calculus, Probability and Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, Algebra III, Applied Mathematics III, Integrated Mathematics III or AP Calculus BC
TOPS Core CurriculumFor students graduating in 2012 and 2013 Science
Biology I or II Chemistry I or II, or Chemistry Com Earth Science, Physical Science, Environmental
Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP Physics C: Mechanics, Physics for Technology I or II, Integrated Science, Anatomy and Physiology or Agriscience I and II (two units)
TOPS Core CurriculumFor students graduating in 2012 and 2013 Additional Math or Science
Geometry, Applied Geometry, Applied Mathematics III, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus BC, Advanced Math-Pre-Calculus, Advanced Math- Functions and Statistics, Probability and Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, Algebra III, or Integrated Mathematics III
Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP Physics C: Mechanics, or Anatomy and Physiology
TOPS Core CurriculumFor students graduating in 2012 and 2013
Social Studies American History Civics and Free Enterprise (1 unit combined),
Civics (1 unit), or AP Government and Politics: United States
World History, Western Civilization, World Geography, or European History
TOPS Core CurriculumFor students graduating in 2012 and 2013
Foreign Language Two units in the same language English is not considered a foreign language American Sign Language (2 units)
TOPS Core CurriculumFor students graduating in 2012 and 2013
Fine Arts Survey or two units of performance courses in
music, dance or theater* or two units of studio art* or two units of visual art* or both Speech III & IV* or both Agriscience I and Agriscience II or 1 unit of an elective from among the other
subjects listed in this core curriculum
* The two units may be any combination of whole and half units
½ unit of Computer Science I or II, Computer Technology Literacy, Business Computer Applications, Introduction to Business Computer Applications, or Computer Science Elective Or substitute Word Processing, Computer Multimedia
Presentations, Desktop Publishing, Web Design, Telecommunications, Computer Applications, Computer Architecture, Computer Systems/Networking I, Digital Graphics and Animation, Multimedia Productions, Webmastering, Independent Study In Technology Applications, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science AB, Database Design and Programming, Java Programming, Database Programming with PL/SQL Training, Digital Media I or II, Advanced Technical Drafting, or Computer Electronics I or II
or 1/2 unit of an elective from among the other subjects listed in the core curriculum
TOPS Core CurriculumFor students graduating in 2012 and 2013
TOPS Core CurriculumFor students graduating in 2014 and thereafter
English (4 units) English I English II English III English IV
Math (4 Units) 1 unit: Algebra I or Integrated Mathematics I
Or Applied Algebra 1 Or Algebra I – Parts 1 & 2 (two units) Or Applied Algebra 1A & 1B (two units) Or Applied Mathematics I & II (two units)
1 unit: Algebra II or Integrated Mathematics II
2 units: Geometry, Applied Geometry, Applied Mathematics III, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus BC, Advanced Math-Pre-Calculus, Advanced Math-Functions and Statistics, Probability and Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, Algebra III, or Integrated Mathematics III
TOPS Core CurriculumFor students graduating in 2014 and thereafter
Science (4 Units) 1 unit: Biology I or II 1 unit: Chemistry I or II, or Chemistry Com 2 units: Earth Science, Physical Science,
Environmental Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP Physics C: Mechanics, Physics for Technology I or II, Integrated Science, Anatomy and Physiology or Agriscience I and II (both courses)
TOPS Core CurriculumFor students graduating in 2014 and thereafter
TOPS Core CurriculumFor students graduating in 2014 and thereafter
Social Studies (4 Units) 1 Unit: American History 1 Unit: Civics and Free Enterprise (1 unit
combined), Civics (1 unit), or AP Government and Politics: United States
2 Units: World History, Western Civilization, World Geography, European History or History of Religion (non-public schools only)
TOPS Core CurriculumFor students graduating in 2014 and thereafter
Foreign Language (2 Units) Two units in the same language English is not considered a foreign language American Sign Language (2 units)
TOPS Core CurriculumFor students graduating in 2014 and thereafter
Fine Arts Survey (One Unit) or one unit of performance courses in music,
dance or theater* or one unit of studio art* or one unit of visual art* or both Speech III & IVStudents no longer have the option to substitute one unit as an elective from among the other TOPS Core curriculum courses.* The one unit may be any combination of half
units in a category.
ACT Without Penalty: April 14, 2012
Loss of 1 semester eligibility: June 9, 2012
Students who fail to achieve a qualifying ACT score by July 1 of the graduating year shall not be considered for an award
Highest composite score will be considered
TOPS does not consider the essay portion of the ACT when calculating the composite score to qualify
List TOPS code 1595 & your SSN on the ACT
SAT An equivalent SAT score may be substituted for the
ACT score
SAT Test Deadlines Without Penalty: March 10, 2012 Loss of 1 semester eligibility: May 5, 2012 and June 2,
2012
Students must use the SAT scholarship code 9019 on the registration form
TOPS does not consider the essay portion of the SAT when calculating the composite score to qualify
Opportunity, Performance & Honors Awards GPA on a 4.00 scale (not rounded) on 17.5 core units
Must complete the 17.5 core classes
Maximum of eight semesters or twelve quarters
A TOPS award may be combined with other forms of financial aid up to the “Cost of Attendance” for the institution
Provides amount equal to tuition to a public school in Louisiana or the average cost of a public education tuition to a private school ($1621 per semester for 2011-2012)
TOPS Eligible Institutions: LAICU
Centenary College Dillard University Louisiana College Loyola University New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Our Lady of Holy Cross College Our Lady of the Lake College St. Joseph Seminary College Tulane University Xavier University
TOPS Awards Opportunity Award (tuition amount)
2.50 core curriculum GPA on a 4.00 scale A minimum score of a 20 on the ACT (940 SAT)
Performance Award (tuition plus $400 stipend) 3.00 core curriculum GPA on a 4.00 scale A minimum score of 23 on the ACT (1050 SAT)
Honors Award (tuition plus $800 stipend) 3.00 core curriculum GPA on a 4.00 scale A minimum score of 27 on the ACT (1210 SAT)
TOPS Tech Award Eligibility Requirements
2.50 core curriculum GPA on a 4.00 scale A minimum score of 17 on the ACT (810 SAT) Completion of one of the Tech Core Option curriculums or
the OPH curriculum Award Amounts
Amount equal to full time tuition at any LA Technical college or community college if the student is enrolled in a 2-year Tech program
Can be used for a maximum of 2 years/4 semesters Any Cosmetology school in Louisiana which has a current
certificate of registration issued by the State Board of Cosmetology
Any accredited proprietary school which has a valid license issued by the Louisiana Board of Regents
TOPS Tech Award Eligible Programs Check with the school you plan to attend to
determine the programs offered which qualify for the TOPS Tech Award All programs at the Louisiana Technical College
(all campuses) are eligible Examples of eligible programs:
Medical Assistant Computer Network Technology Pharmacy Technician Fire Science Technology Culinary Arts Office Administration Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
TOPS Application Apply Jan 1 – July 1)
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) – www.fafsa.ed.gov Must be completed if the student is eligible for
federal grant aid (Pell Grant) Must be completed if the student is seeking any
other form of financial aid The only application needed for TOPS
TOPS Processing Cycle STEP 1 – Student takes ACT
ACT scores are sent to LOSFA electronically STEP 2 – Student files FAFSA (Jan 1-July 1)
FAFSA data is sent to LOSFA electronically STEP 3 – Student completes 17.5 core units prior
to high school graduation Academic Records from the high schools are sent to
LOSFA electronically STEP 4 – Student is determined eligible for TOPS
Students will be mailed an award letter College will see student online at TOPS Master Roster
STEP 5 – College will send LOSFA a bill Students enrolled full-time through the 14th class day
TOPS Award Status Students eligible for a TOPS award will be notified
by means of an official award letter from LOSFA TOPS recipients should familiarize themselves with the
Rights and Responsibilities included with their award letter
TOPS recipients are personally responsible for knowing and complying with the TOPS continuation requirements
Students can check their TOPS award status online by creating a Louisiana Award System Account at www.osfa.la.gov after June 1, 2012
Award Acceptance Must enter an eligible institution as a full-time
student by the first semester following the first anniversary of high school graduation
Military Students – join the Armed Forces on active duty within one year of high school and must return by the fall following the 5th anniversary of high school graduation
TOPS Recipients serving in the National Guard will receive: the tuition exemption equal to the TOPS award amount; any applicable TOPS stipend; $600 annually for books and supplies
Returning Out of State Students Graduate Study Summer Sessions
TOPS Retention Requirements Should apply annually by July 1st by
completing the Renewal FAFSA
Must be continuously enrolled on a full-time basis during the academic year A student is considered full-time for the
semester if they are carrying full-time hours through the 14th class day of the semester or 9th day of the quarter
TOPS Retention: Credit Hours
Must earn 24 credit hours each academic year Failure to earn 24 hours will result in permanent
award cancellation Hours earned in advanced placement may not be
used Hours earned in summer school or summer
intersession may not be used Hours earned during any intersession held
between the beginning of the fall semester and the end of the spring semester can be used
Hours earned in required remedial courses may be used
“Earned Hours” are hours successfully completed with a passing grade
TOPS Retention: GPA At the end of each Academic Year, the following cumulative
GPA must be maintained: Opportunity Award: 2.30 first academic year 2.50 all subsequent years Performance Award: 3.00 Honors Award: 3.00 Students falling below 3.00 would revert to the
Opportunity Award Tech Award: 2.50
Must meet steady academic requirements of 2.00 at the end of any semester or quarter
Award is reinstated upon attainment of the required GPA Students failing to meet their GPA requirement will be placed
on suspension not to exceed two years/one year for Tech or Award will be canceled
What is College? Think of “college” as any form of education
after graduating high school: Public Colleges Private Colleges Community Colleges Louisiana Technical Colleges Cosmetology Schools Proprietary Schools
Find the perfect fit & major for you! 2-year, 4-year, etc.
What is Student
Financial Aid?
Financial Need Cost of Attendance (COA)
Tuition and fees Room and board Books and supplies Transportation Miscellaneous personal expenses
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Income Assets (excluding the family home) Family size Number of family members attending college
(excluding parents) Age of parents
Financial Need
COST OF ATTENDANCE
- EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION
FINANCIAL NEED
Types of Financial Aid Scholarships
Gift Aid – Based on Merit
Grants Gift Aid – Based on Need
Employment Opportunities
Loans Must be repaid – may be based on need
Sources of Financial Aid State
Federal
Institutional
Private
Military
Campus-Based Federal Aid Programs www.studentaid.ed.gov FSEOG Academic Competitiveness Grant National SMART Grant Federal Work Study Pell Grant TEACH Grant Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant Federal Perkins Loans Direct Loans
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) General Information:
Gift aid Maximum award $4,000
Eligibility Criteria: Undergraduates without bachelor’s or first
professional degree Must demonstrate exceptional financial need
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) General Eligibility Requirements
U.S. Citizen Pell Grant eligible Full-time student
First Year Students Must have completed a rigorous high school
program of study Maximum Award Amount: $750
Second Year Students Must have a 3.00 cumulative college GPA Maximum Award Amount: $1,300
National SMART Grant National Science and Mathematics Access to
Retain Talent Grant Available for third and fourth year students Maximum Award Amount: $4,000 Eligibility Requirements
U.S. Citizen Pell Grant eligible Full-time student Must be enrolled in a four-year institution Must major in mathematics, science, computer
sciences, technology, engineering, or a critical foreign language
Must have a 3.00 cumulative college GPA
Federal Work Study General Information:
Wages must be not less than current minimum wage
Eligibility Criteria: Undergraduate, graduate or professional
students, including less-than-half-time students Must demonstrate financial need
Federal Pell Grant General Information
Gift aid Portable - can receive at any eligible institution Maximum Award: $4,050
Eligibility Criteria Undergraduates without a bachelor’s degree or
first professional degree Must demonstrate financial need
TEACH Grant Teacher Education Assistance for College
and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Grants for undergraduate and graduate
students who intend to teach full-time in high-need subject areas for at least four years at schools that serve low-income students
Maximum Annual Award Amount: $4,000 Aggregate Undergraduate Limit: $16,000 Aggregate Graduate Limit: $8,000
Institutions are not required to participate in this program
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant For students whose parent or guardian died
as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11/2001
Student must have been less than 24 years of age or must have been enrolled at least half-time at the time of their parent or guardian’s death
Student must not have qualified for a Pell Grant
Maximum award is equal to maximum Pell Grant amount
Federal Perkins Loan General Information:
5% interest rate Annual Loan limits
$4,000 for undergraduates $6,000 for graduate or professional students
School is the lender Repayment begins 9 months after leaving
school 10 year repayment period
Eligibility Criteria: Undergraduate, graduate, and professional
students Must demonstrate financial need Must be willing to repay the loan
Subsidized Loan Loan is need-based Federal government pays all interest while:
Borrower is in school, During the grace period, During periods of deferment
Interest rate is variable, capped at 8.25%
Student must have Financial Need Student must be enrolled at least half-time Student must maintain Satisfactory Academic
Progress (SAP) as defined by the school to continue receiving loans
Loan has a 6 month Grace Period after leaving school or dropping below half-time before entering repayment
10 year repayment period
Unsubsidized Loan Loan is not need-based Loan may replace all or part of the student’s EFC Borrower is responsible for interest at all times Interest rate is variable, capped at 8.25% Student must have completed the FAFSA Student must be enrolled at least half-time Student must maintain Satisfactory Academic
Progress (SAP) as defined by the school to continue receiving loans
Loan has a 6 month Grace Period after leaving school or dropping below half-time before entering repayment
10 year repayment period
Plus Loans Parent may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance
less other financial aid received by the student Interest rate is annually variable, capped at 9% Borrower must be the parent of a dependent
undergraduate student Borrower must not have an adverse credit history Repayment begins 60 days after the loan is fully
disbursed 10 year repayment period
Loan Limits
Total Cumulative Loan Limits
Dependent Student $31,000
Independent Undergraduate $57,500
Graduate Student $138,500
PLUS Loans No Federal Limit
Chafee Education & Training Voucher Program (ETV) Administered by LOSFA on behalf of the
Louisiana Department of Social Services, Office of Community Services
Available to students who are or were (prior to age 18) in the foster care system
Maximum Annual Award: $5,000
Chafee Education & Training Voucher Program (ETV) Eligibility Requirements
Ages 15-21 (age 23 if receiving ETV at 21) Enrolled in Louisiana public or LAICU institution
or an approved Louisiana proprietary school Must complete the FAFSA annually Must have financial need Must make Satisfactory Academic Progress as
defined by the institution The institution will notify LOSFA of any student
meeting the eligibility criteria
SAFER Tuition Reimbursement Program Administered by LOSFA on behalf of the
Louisiana State Firemen’s Association
Program provides tuition reimbursement for students earning a degree or certificate at a Louisiana public institution
Applicants must serve two years with a volunteer fire department as a Fire Fighter or EMS First Responder before the award will be paid Concurrent with education – priority awards Completed after graduation
SAFER Tuition Reimbursement Program Applicants must earn a Fire Fighter I or
National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) within 1 year of award
Maximum Award Amount: $2,000 per semester Two-year Program Total: $8,000 Four-year Program Total: $16,000 96 awards will be made
Application available at: www.vfdla.org
Early Start Program The purpose of the Early Start Program is to
provide an incentive for qualified Louisiana high school students to prepare for a postsecondary education or career
Formerly known as the Dual Enrollment Program Courses of Study:
College Level, Degree Credit Courses Enrichment/Developmental Courses – English
or Math Courses (not degree credit) Work Skills Courses – Skill or Occupational
Training (industry based certification) The Early Start Program Application is available
online at www.osfa.la.gov General Eligibility & Criteria are also online
Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship Open to juniors, seniors and graduate
students majoring in Forestry, Wildlife or Marine Science at a Louisiana public institution
Maximum Annual Award: Undergraduate: $2,000 Graduate: $3,000
Total Maximum Award: $12,000 3 years undergraduate study 2 years graduate study
Go Grant The Go Grant provides need-based
financial aid for Louisiana residents
Program is administered by LOSFA on behalf of the Louisiana Board of Regents
Maximum Award for 2010-2011: Full-time: $900 Half-time: $450 Less than Half-time: $225 Amounts based on current appropriation
Go Grant Eligibility Requirements
Apply by completing the FAFSA annually Louisiana Resident as of the date the FAFSA is
filed Certificate or degree seeking undergraduate
student at a Louisiana public or LAICU institution
Must receive a Pell Grant Must have an Education Cost Gap (ECG) Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
(SAP) as defined by the institution
Private Aid The best source of information on private
aid is the Internet. There are numerous free scholarship search services available See LOSFA website Useful Internet Links page
or Surfing the Web for a listing
Private aid can be based on merit or financial need
Providers of private aid include companies, civic organizations, religious organizations, clubs, etc.
Institutional Aid Each institution has its own merit-based
scholarship programs
Many schools have their own need-based aid programs
Investigate aid opportunities early Each institution has its own aid application
process and deadline
Upperclassmen should also check with their department for aid opportunities for students in a specific major
Military Educational Opportunities G.I. Bill
Education benefits for service members who have served on active duty for 90 or more days Up to 100% Tuition and Fee Coverage Monthly Living (Housing) Stipend Up to $1000 a year for Books and Supplies
Loan Repayment Program Individuals enrolled in the LRP earn 33 1/3 percent or
$1,500, whichever is greater, toward the remaining original unpaid principal on all qualifying loans for each successfully completed year of enlisted active duty up to $65,000
Military Educational Opportunities ROTC Scholarships
In exchange for a service commitment, the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships pay for almost all tuition, fees and books charges for four years of college
Louisiana National Guard Tuition Exemption Waives the cost of tuition only for Louisiana
Army and Air National Guard soldiers attending a Louisiana institution
www.osfa.la.gov
LOSFA Social Siteshttp://www.facebook.com/LOSFA
http://www.twitter.com/LOSFA
http://www.youtube.com/ LOSFA1000
http://www.Flickr.com/LOSFA
TOPS Bloghttp://www.louisianatopsprogram.com/