Louisiana Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS)
What is “TOPS”?
Louisiana’s Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a comprehensive program of state scholarships and one of the most innovative and progressive student assistance programs in the nation. TOPS has five award components. See the table for the eligibility and renewal requirements of each award component; Opportunity, Performance (& Alternate), Honors, and Tech.
Disclaimer: TOPS information included here is current as of the date of the TOPS brochure publication and is provided for informational purposes only. The eligibility requirements and rules governing the TOPS program are subject to legislative and regulatory amendments subsequent to the date of publication of the TOPS brochure. TOPS applicants are responsible for determining the program requirements at the time of application and should not rely on this printed information as a full disclosure of all qualifications required for a TOPS award. TOPS website: http://www.osfa.state.la.us/schgrt6.htm Tops Core Curriculum *
Units Courses
- 4 - English I, II, III and IV
- 1 - Algebra I or Integrated Mathematics I OR Algebra I - Parts 1 & 2 (two units) OR Applied Algebra IA and IB (two units) OR Applied Mathematics I and II (two units)
- 1 - Algebra II or Integrated Mathematics II
- 1 - Geometry, Calculus, Advanced Math I or II, Pre-Calculus, Probability and Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, Algebra III, Applied Mathematics III, Integrated Mathematics III, or AP Calculus AB
- 1 - Biology I or II
- 1 - Chemistry I or II, or Chemistry Com
- 1 - Earth Science, Physical Science, Environmental Science, General Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, Physics for Technology, AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism, AP Physics C: Mechanics, or Agriscience I & II (two units)
- 1 - Additional Math or Science: Geometry, Calculus, Advanced Math I, Advanced Math II, Pre-Calculus, Probability and Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, Algebra III, Applied Mathematics III, Integrated Mathematics III, AP Calculus AB, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism, or AP Physics C: Mechanics
- 1 - American History
- 1 - Civics and Free Enterprise (one unit combined), Civics, or AP American Government Comparative
- 1 - World History, Western Civilization, World Geography or European History
- 2 - Foreign Language (two units in the same language), or American Sign Language I & II
- 1 - Fine Arts Survey OR 2 units of performance courses in music, dance or theater OR 2 units of studio art OR 2 units of visual art OR Speech III & IV (two units) OR 1 unit of an elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum
- 1/2 - Computer Science I or II, Business Computer Applications, Computer Technology Literacy, Introduction to Business Computer Applications, or Computer Science Elective OR 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 one-half unit of an elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum
17.5 Units
TOPS Tech Award
Unique among the TOPS scholarships, the TOPS Tech Award was created by the Louisiana Legislature with the sole intention of promoting a skilled workforce in Louisiana. The TOPS Tech Award is offered to qualified high school graduates and provides up to two years of skill or occupational training, to be pursued at an accredited Louisiana postsecondary institution that offers a vocational or technical education certificate, diploma or non-academic degree.
The following is a representative, but not inclusive sample of certificate, diploma or non-academic degree programs that may be earned with the TOPS Tech Award: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Automotive Technology, Business Accounting Technology, Carpentry, Computer Networking, Diesel Mechanics, Drafting and Design Technology, Early Childhood Education, Industrial Machine Shop, Practical Nursing and Welding.
The TOPS Tech Award may be used for up to two years of skill or occupational training at any campus of the Louisiana Technical College, Louisiana community college, accredited two- or four-year public college or university, or private college or university (members of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, LAICU) that offers a vocational or technical education certificate, diploma or non-academic degree program. The TOPS Tech Award MAY NOT be used at any institution to pursue an academic program or degree.
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