LSU offers the TOPS awards to students who demonstrate financial need. Requirements vary by award, but applicants should have at least a 20 ACT and a 2.5 GPA. For renewal, applicants must be enrolled full-time, earn 24 credits per semester, and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) calculates a specific GPA for TOPS eligibility. This GPA does not recognize LSU’s plus/minus grading scale therefore your TOPS GPA will differ from your LSU cumulative GPA.
On April 3, 2020, Governor Edwards issued a Proclamation to provide relief for TOPS eligible students. In order to apply, applicants must: complete the FAFSA or LOSFA application by July 1 each year; and receive an official award letter from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) during late summer after high school graduation. Students are notified of their TOPS level in their initial eligibility letter.