TOPS Update | LSU Financial Aid & Scholarships

TOPS Updates

Most Current TOPS Information

Last updated June 5, 2018

The Louisiana Legislature still has NOT resolved the budget. The budget debate includes funding for LSU, TOPS, all of higher education, state health programs, public safety, and other services. Gov. Edwards is expected to call a Third Extraordinary Session (“Special Session”) to resolve the remaining budget challenges. All parties agree that a budget shortfall must be addressed, but there is disagreement on the amount.

For TOPS students, the budget challenge includes the scholarship award amount. Currently, TOPS for 2018-19 is funded at 70.5%, but the funding could get up to 100% in the Third Special Session.

Under Debate in 2018 Third Extraordinary (“Special”) Session

  Student Award Total for All Students
100% Funded $7,463 $100,255,895
70.5% Funded $5,261 $73,154,739
Difference -$2,202 -$27,101,156

 

Options for Additional Funding and Payment Plans

Complete the FAFSA

If you have not already done so, you should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.

Complete Required Documents

Be sure to check myLSU to complete all required documents, including verification. Go to my.lsu.edu, select “Financial Services,” then “Financial Aid,” then “Verification Documents.”

Contact a Financial Aid Advisor

Our staff is here to assist you in reaching your educational goals. Contact your Financial Aid Counselor to discuss options.

Questions about TOPS

Who controls TOPS?

The state of Louisiana controls TOPS through the state's budget.

Can I still submit my FAFSA to apply for TOPS and financial aid?

Yes, it is not too late. Please visit www.fafsa.gov to complete the FAFSA.

What do I get from LSU that I can’t get elsewhere?

LSU provides the most comprehensive educational experience in Louisiana. Students who attend the state’s flagship university work next to internationally known faculty who do everything from proving Einstein’s Theory of Relativity to discovering new species to finding new ways to detect and treat cancer — and everything in between. They have access to incredible support mechanisms, such as the university’s Center for Academic Success, which provides individualized study plans and tutoring for every interested LSU student. And the value of an LSU degree only increases with time — our alumni earn above national average starting and mid-career salaries, and go on to incredible careers ranging from Academy Award winning composer and New York Times Best-Selling Author to flight director for NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover and CEO of Fortune 500 companies.