In the state of Louisiana, students have a variety of options of educational school and college grants. For need-based grants, students should plan on submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before they try to obtain state aid. Once grants have been received, the state will pay the funds directly into the student’s school account.
Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS)
The TOPS program offers four different opportunities for students to receive college fund. The opportunity award is specifically intended for students who maintained at least a 2.5 GPA in high school and received at least the minimum state average score on their SAT. They must be first time freshmen and be a Louisiana state resident. Overall, the TOPS Opportunity Award covers the full cost of tuition at a Louisiana public school and also provides funds for additional fees.
TOPS Performance Award
To receive the TOPS Performance Award, students must go to college within one of the schools in the Louisiana Association Independent Colleges and Universities. They should plan on having at least a 3.0 GPA and receive a 23 or higher on their ACT. This award is attended for first time freshmen and pays for tuition, fees and an additional stipend of $400. Students who maintain their grades can renew their scholarship for the following three years of college.
TOPS Honors Award
The next step up for TOPS awards is the TOPS Honors Award. Like the TOPS Performance Award, Louisiana state students should plan on obtaining a 3.0 high school GPA. In addition, they must also receive at least a 27 on their ACT. The TOPS Honors Award covers tuition, fees and an additional $800 stipend each year. Students in this program must be a Louisiana resident for reasons other than school.
TOPS Tech Award
Students who are planning on attending an occupational training program at a qualified Louisiana school can apply for this award program. It pays out the equivalent amount for tuition and fees as other baccalaureate programs in the area would charge.
Students must have a minimum of 17 tech core units in high school, a 2.5 GPA and at least a 17 on their ACT. Students who apply for one of the TOPS Louisiana state grants should seek to maintain their GPA throughout college to renew their award annually.
High school students can get a head start using the TOPS Tech Early Start program. This allows juniors and seniors to enroll in a maximum of six credit hours at a local college or vocational school. Ideally, students will be seeking some type of technical certification. Over the course of the year, high school students who have at least a 2.0 GPA can obtain up to $600 in grant money to pursue their education.
To be eligible, the Early Start applicants must fill out an Education and Career plan with their school that spans five years.
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Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has set up the Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship for students attending a public college or university. Successful applicants must be majoring in marine science, forestry or wildlife studies. To be considered, students should have a 2.5 GPA. Each year, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries hands out scholarships valued at $2,000 a year for undergraduate students and $3,000 for graduate students. As long as the student maintains their academic standing, they may renew the scholarship for a maximum of four years. The awards program is open to any undergraduate or graduate in the specified majors.
Chafee ETV Program
Louisiana residents who grew up in the foster care system can receive this grant to help pay for the cost of school. They must have been members of the foster care system and be no older than the age of 23. Each year, the award provides up to $5,000 in funding per student. Prior to be accepted, students must complete their FAFSA and prove financial need. In addition, students must be Louisiana state residents to apply.
Louisiana Go Grant
For students who exhibit financial need, the state has set up specific Louisiana state school grants. The Go Grant is given to low or moderate income households and students who are 25 or older. To begin the application process, students need to apply for the FAFSA. After the Pell Grant and expected family contributed are subtracted from the cost of school, students must have an amount greater than zero remaining. Each year, eligible students may receive a maximum of $2,000. Typically, students who receive the Go Grant are also recipients of the federal Pell Grant. Over the course of their college career, no more than $10,000 total can be awarded. As the student seeks to renew their grant, they must continue to exhibit financial need and progress in their scholastic studies.
Louisiana Leveraging Educational Assistance Program (LEAP)
Students who are planning on attending a state college or university are eligible for this grant program. They must be Louisiana state and United States residents and be enrolled in a full-time course load. Each year, students who show signs of financial need receive anywhere from $200 to $2,000.
To become eligible, students must have a high school grade point average higher than a 2.0 or have received a minimum of a 45 on their GED. Students are ineligible if they have ever defaulted on a student loan or have received a criminal conviction.
The LEAP grant program allows students to renew it throughout college as long as they continue to demonstrate financial need and the minimum GPA requirement.
Online Resources for Louisiana College and School Grants
Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance
Louisiana State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Rockefeller Scholarship
