louisiana’s first choice for college access. losfa administered programs tops start saving program...

Louisiana’s First Choice for College Access

LOSFA Administered Programs

TOPS

START Saving Program

TOPS Tech Early Start Program

Chafee Educational Training Voucher (ETV) Program

Safer Volunteer Firemen’s Tuition Reimbursement

Early Start

Go Grant

Rockefeller 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


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)


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


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


Foreign Language Two units in the same language English is not considered a foreign language American Sign Language (2 units)


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 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


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)



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)


Foreign Language (2 Units) Two units in the same language English is not considered a foreign language American Sign Language (2 units)


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 & IV

Students 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 Blog

http://www.louisianatopsprogram.com/

Contact Information

LOSFA

1-800-259-5626 x1012

[email protected]

www.osfa.la.gov

louisiana’s first choice for college access. losfa administered programs tops start saving program...

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