A college education has become a significant expense for most families and requires careful planning. Whatever your financial situation is, we encourage you to use this information to help you understand college funding so you can navigate the financial aid process with greater ease.

State Financial Aid

States provide many financial aid opportunities to help ease the cost of a college education. Please select the state you reside in to learn about state sponsored internships, scholarships and financial aid programs for undergraduate students and assistantships, fellowships, and residency programs for graduate and professional students.

STATE OF LOUISIANA FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:

Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance

Street address:

1885 Wooddale Blvd.

Baton Rouge, La. 70806

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 91202

Baton Rouge, La. 70821-9202

Local phone: 922-1011

Or toll-free: 1-800-259-5626

Fax Number is (225) 922-0790.

www.osfa.state.la.us

The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of Louisiana.

Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship

The Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship is a competitive scholarship that awards 00 annually for an undergraduate student and $3,000 annually to agraduate student pursuing a degree in forestry, wildlife or marine science at a Louisiana Public College or University. The cumulative maximum award is $12,000 for up to three years of undergraduate study and two years of graduate study.

Standard Eligibility Requirements

– Be a U.S. citizen or national or eligible non-citizen and be registered with Selective Service if required
– Be a Louisiana resident for at least one year prior to July 1st of the scholarship award year
– Complete and submit such documentary evidence as required by LASFAC
– Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in a Louisiana Public College or University majoring in forestry, wildlife or marine science with the intent of obtaining a degree in that field. Undergraduate students must have earned at least 60 hours of college credit and have at least a 2.50 cumulative college GPA.
– As a graduate student have at least a 3.00 cumulative college GPA on all credits earned in graduate school

Renewal Requirements

– Have received the scholarship for not more than five academic years (three undergraduate and two graduate)
– By the end of the academic year (spring term), have earned at least 24 hours of earned credits during the fall, winter and spring terms at a school defining 12 semester or eight quarter hours as the minimum for full-time undergraduate status, or earn at least 18 hours total credit during the fall, winter and spring terms at a school defining nine semester hours as a minimum for full-time graduate status; and
– Achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 as an undergraduate student at the end of each academic year or achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 as a graduate student at the end of each academic year; and
– Maintain continuous enrollment as a full-time student unless granted an exception by LOSFA; and
– Continue to pursue a course of study leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree in wildlife, forestry or marine science

How to Apply

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid no later than July 1st and

2. Complete the Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship Application so that it is received by LOSFA no later than July 1 immediately before the academic year you wish to be considered. If your Application is not received by the July 1 deadline, but is received by December 1, you may be eligible for the next spring semester, if funds are available.

3. If unable to download the Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship Application from the above link, then Contact LOSFA:

E-mail: custserv@osfa.la.gov

Telephone: 1-800-259-5626 x 1012

Write LOSFA at: P.O. Box 91202, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9202

Louisiana Go Grant Program

The purpose of this program is to provide a need-based component to the state’s financial aid plan to support nontraditional and low to moderate-income students who need additional aid to afford the cost of attending college .

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Louisiana Go Grant, a student must:

  • Be a Louisiana Resident;*
  • File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
  • Receive a federal Pell grant or a financial need grant;
  • Have remaining financial need greater than “0” after deducting the student’s Expected Family Contribution and Federal Pell Grant Award from their Cost of Attendance. Due to limited funding, awards are not guaranteed to all eligible students.
  • Be a student enrolled in an eligible Louisiana institution on a part-time, half-time or full-time basis who:
  • Entered college as a first time freshman during academic year 2007-2008 or later; OR
  • Entered college as a first time freshman during the 2007-08 academic year or later and have become eligible for a federal Pell grant or financial need grant after the freshman year: OR
  • Be age 25 or older and have entered college as a first time freshman before the 2010-11 academic year and have had a break in enrollment of at least two consecutive semesters, not including a summer semester or term, immediately preceding the period of enrollment for which the student is being considered for receipt of a grant.
  • Any student who was a first time freshman beginning with the 2007-08 academic year or later who was not initially Pell eligible, but subsequently becomes Pell eligible then also qualifies for a Go Grant award.

Award Amounts **

Award amounts to eligible students are based on the total Go Grant appropriation and could vary with each academic year.

Award Amounts for the 2014-2015 Academic Year:

  • Full-time (normally 12 hours at semester schools and 8 hours at quarter schools) – (Program Full Time students, defined as enrolled in a degree program where less than 12 semester hours or 8 term hours is considered full-time, are also eligible for full-time award amount.) – $900
  • Half-time (normally 6-11 hours at semester schools and 4-7 hours at quarter schools) – $450
  • Less than half-time (normally less than 6 hours at semester schools and less than 4 hours at quarter schools) – $225

Renewal Requirements

  • Must file a FAFSA or the Renewal Application at least annually
  • Continue receiving a Pell or a financial need grant
  • Have remaining financial need greater than “0”. Maintain steady academic progress as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled in accordance with the federal Higher Education Act of 1965. The maximum annual award is $900 and the award can be renewed for subsequent years to a maximum lifetime award of $10,000 per student.

*Residency: Louisiana resident as of the day the FAFSA is filed and Louisiana is the student’s true and fixed domicile as reported on the FAFSA. If student’s state of residence on the FAFSA is not reported as LA, but a dependent student claims that a non-custodial parent is a Louisiana resident, or that parents are Louisiana residents living out of state, LOSFA will determine residency based on the completion, by the parents, of a residency affidavit.

Residency for displaced students: Special provisions have been made to assist students affected by the natural disasters of August and September 2005. See complete details in GO Grant rules and/or the GO Grant residency affidavit for students with a Louisiana Distance Diploma using the link at the bottom of this page.

** Students should check with the financial aid office at the school they plan to attend to determine award distribution, e.g., first come, first served; priority to incoming students; or another method in line with the school’s priority order.

Leveraging Education Assistance Partnership (LEAP)

Leveraging Education Assistance Partnership (LEAP)– A grant for Louisiana residents who are full time students attending Louisiana Post Secondary Schools. Award can range from $200 to $2,000. Submit FAFSA to apply. In order to be eligible a student must:

Standard Eligibility Requirements

– Be a U.S. citizen or national or eligible non-citizen
– Register with Selective Service, if required
– Be a resident of Louisiana for at least one year prior to July 1st of the award year
– Annually submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA by the deadline set by the school
– Have a high school diploma with at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average or a minimum average score of 45 on the GED Test or an ACT composite score of at least 20 or a postsecondary school GPA of at least 2.00 from the most recent term
– Be certified as a full-time undergraduate student in an eligible program at an eligible institution and be selected by the eligible institution for receipt of the award.
– Have substantial financial need of at least $199
– Be in compliance with the terms of other federal and state student aid programs that are administered by LASFAC, which the applicant may be receiving
– Not be in default of an educational loan
– Not have a criminal conviction, except for misdemeanor traffic violations
– Agree that the award proceeds will be used exclusively for educational expenses

Renewal Requirements

– Continue to meet all initial eligibility requirements listed above
– Maintain a cumulative postsecondary grade point average of at least 2.00 calculated on a 4.00 scale by the conclusion of the academic year (Spring term)

How to Apply

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid no later than July 1st
2. Contact the Financial Aid Office of your postsecondary institution and inquire about LEAP.
NOTE: The Post Secondary Institution may establish additional criteria!

TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students)

TOPS is a program of state scholarships for Louisiana residents who attend either one of the Louisiana Public Colleges and Universities, schools that are a part of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System or institutions that are a part of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

The four different award components of the TOPS Program are:

TOPS Opportunity Award

The TOPS Opportunity Award pays for tuition and certain fees at any of the Louisiana Public Colleges and Universities. If a student attends a college within the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the award amount will be the weighted average tuition of public-degree granting schools.

Standard Eligibility Requirements

– Minimum High School GPA of 2.50 (GPA computed on core courses only)
– 17.5 Core Units
– Minimum ACT Score ( or SAT Equivalent) of the prior year state average; Currently 20
– Must enroll full time as a first time freshman, by the first semester following the first anniversary of high school graduation
– Be a US citizen or permanent resident
– Meet TOPS Louisiana residency requirements

*BESE-Approved Home Study Eligibility – ACT/SAT Score of 2 points above standard – Currently 22
*Louisiana Residents graduating from an eligible out-of-state/country high school – ACT/SAT Score of 3 points above standard – Currently 24

Renewal Requirements

– Minimum 2.30 GPA at the end of the first Academic Year(between 24-47 hours of earned credit) 1
– Minimum 2.50 GPA at the end of all other Academic Years (once 48 hours have been earned) 1
– Maintain steady Academic Progress at the end of all other semesters/terms (2.00 Cumulative GPA) 1
– Student must be enrolled full-time as of the 15th class day at a semester institution or as of the 10th class day at a quarter institution and maintain continues enrollment2
– Earn at least 24 Credit Hours for Academic Year (Fall Semester and Spring Semester or Fall, Winter and Spring Terms at Louisiana Tech at Ruston)
– Hours earned during the Intersession between Fall and Spring Semesters will be counted toward meeting the 24 Hours Annual Requirement but not toward Full-Time Enrollment
– For more information on courses that will and will not fulfill the 24 Hours annual requirement click here.

1 Suspended Award will be reinstated if appropriate GPA regained within 24 months.
2 Failure to enroll full time, maintain continuous enrollment or earn 24 hours results in cancellation of award and it cannot be reinstated without an Approved Request for Exception to the Initial, Continuous, Full-Time Enrollment and/or 24 Hour Requirement.

How to Apply

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We strongly encourage you to submit your initial (first) FAFSA before July 1 immediately following your high school graduation so that you will receive TOPS credit on your college’s fee bill for the Fall semester after graduation. The absolute deadline to receive your initial TOPS application without a reduction in your award is July 1st following the one year anniversary of your high school graduation.

If you file your initial FAFSA after July 1 of your year of high school graduation, your TOPS payment will be made when your FAFSA has been received and your TOPS eligibility has been determined. Once you are determined TOPS eligible, your TOPS payments will be made beginning with the first semester you enrolled as a full time student in an eligible Louisiana college. Further payments will be made only if you meet the TOPS Continuing Eligibility Requirements.

If your initial TOPS application is received on or after July 2 but no later than October 29 following the one year anniversary of your high school graduation TOPS award will be reduced by one semester if received no later than August 30 or two semesters if received no later than October 29.

Students who can verify ineligibility for Federal Grants may forgo the FreeApplication for Federal Student Aid and apply via online application

CAUTION: IN THE EVENT OF A BUDGET SHORTFALL, STUDENTS COMPLETING THE TOPS ON-LINE APPLICATION INSTEAD OF THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID WILL BE THE FIRST TO LOSE THEIR TOPS AWARD!

TOPS Performance Award

The TOPS Performance Award pays for tuition and certain fees at any of the Louisiana Public Colleges and Universities plus an annual stipend of $400.If a student attends a college within the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the award amount will be the weighted average tuition of public-degree granting schools plus the annual stipend of $400.

Standard Eligibility Requirements

– Minimum High School GPA of 3.00 (GPA computed on core courses only)
– 17.5 Core Units
– Minimum ACT Score ( or SAT Equivalent) of 23
– Must enroll full time as a first time freshman, by the first semester following the first anniversary of high school graduation
– Be a US citizen or permanent resident
– Meet TOPS Louisiana Residency requirements

*BESE-Approved Home Study Eligibility – ACT/SAT Score of 24 (1 point above standard in lieu of core units and GPA)
*Louisiana Residents graduating from an eligible out-of-state high school – ACT/SAT Score 26 (3 points above standard in lieu of core units and GPA)

Renewal Requirements

– Minimum 3.00 GPA at the end of all Academic Years 1
– Maintain Steady Academic Progress at the end of all other semesters/terms (2.00 Cumulative GPA) 1,2
– Student must be enrolled full-time as of the 15th class day at a semester institution or as of the 10th class day at a quarter institution and maintain continous enrollment3
– Earn at least 24 Credit Hours for Academic Year (Fall Semester and Spring Semesters or Fall, Winter and Spring Terms at Louisiana Tech at Ruston) 3
– Hours earned during the Intersession between Fall and Spring Semesters will be counted toward meeting the 24 Hours Annual Requirement but not toward Full-Time Enrollment
– For more information on courses that will and will not fulfill the 24 Hours annual requirement click here.

1 If Cum GPA less than 3.00 but 2.30 or greater with 24 – 47 hours, award will be continued as Opportunity Award (no Stipend); if less than 3.00 but 2.50 or greater with 48 and greater hours, award will be continued as Opportunity Award (no Stipend).
2 If Cum GPA less than 2.30 with 24 – 47 hours or less than 2.50 with 48 or greater hours, award will be suspended but will be reinstated if appropriate GPA regained within 24 months.
3 Failure to enroll full time, maintain continuous enrollment or earn 24 hours results in cancellation of award and it cannot be reinstated without an Approved Request for Exception to Initial, Continuous Full-Time Enrollment , and/or 24 Hour Requirement.

How to Apply

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We strongly encourage you to submit your initial (first) FAFSA before July 1 immediately following your high school graduation so that you will receive TOPS credit on your college’s fee bill for the Fall semester after graduation. The absolute deadline to receive your initial TOPS application without a reduction in your award is July 1st following the one year anniversary of your high school graduation.

If you file your initial FAFSA after July 1 of your year of high school graduation, your TOPS payment will be made when your FAFSA has been received and your TOPS eligibility has been determined. Once you are determined TOPS eligible, your TOPS payments will be made beginning with the first semester you enrolled as a full time student in an eligible Louisiana college. Further payments will be made only if you meet the TOPS Continuing Eligibility Requirements.

If your initial TOPS application is received on or after July 2 but no later than October 29 following the one year anniversary of your high school graduation TOPS award will be reduced by one semester if received no later than August 30 or two semesters if received no later than October 29.

Students who can verify ineligibility for Federal Grants may forgo the FreeApplication for Federal Student Aid and apply via online application

CAUTION: IN THE EVENT OF A BUDGET SHORTFALL, STUDENTS COMPLETING THE TOPS ON-LINE APPLICATION INSTEAD OF THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID WILL BE THE FIRST TO LOSE THEIR TOPS AWARD!

TOPS Honors Award

The TOPS Honors Award pays for tuition and certain fees at any of the Louisiana Public Colleges and Universities plus an annual stipend of $800.If a student attends a college within the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the award amount will be the weighted average tuition of public-degree granting schools plus the annual stipend of 0.

Standard Eligibility Requirements

– Minimum High School GPA of 3.00 (GPA computed on core courses only)
– 17.5 Core Units
– Minimum ACT Score ( or SAT Equivalent) of 27
– Must enroll full time as a first time freshman, by the first semester following the first anniversary of high school graduation
– Be a US citizen or permanent resident
– Meet TOPS Louisiana Residency requirements

*BESE-Approved Home Study Eligibility – ACT/SAT Score of 28 (1 point above standard in lieu of core units and GPA)
*Louisiana Residents graduating from an eligible out-of-state high school – ACT/SAT Score 30 (3 points above standard in lieu of core units and GPA)

Renewal Requirements

– 3.00 GPA at the end of all Academic Years 1
– Maintain steady Academic Progress at the end of all other semesters/terms (2.00 Cumulative GPA) 1,2
– Student must be enrolled full-time as of the 15th class day at a semester institution or as of the 10th class day at a quarter institution and maintain continous enrollment3
– Earn at least 24 Credit Hours for Academic Year (Fall Semester and Spring Semesters or Fall, Winter and Spring Terms at Louisiana Tech at Ruston) 3
– Hours earned during the Intersession between Fall and Spring Semesters will be counted toward meeting the 24 Hours Annual Requirement but not toward Full-Time Enrollment
– For more information on courses that will and will not fulfill the 24 Hours annual requirement click here.

1 If Cum GPA less than 3.00 but 2.30 or greater with 24 – 47 hours, award will be continued as Opportunity Award (no Stipend); if less than 3.00 but 2.50 or greater with 48 or greater hours award, will be continued as Opportunity Award (no Stipend).
2 If Cum GPA less than 2.30 with 24 to 47 hours or less than 2.50 with 48 and greater hours, award will be suspended but will be reinstated if appropriate GPA regained within 24 months.
3 Failure to enroll full time, maintain continuous enrollment or earn 24 hours results in cancellation of award and it cannot be reinstated without an Approved Request for Exception to the Initial, Continuous, or Full-Time Enrollment , and/or 24 Hour Requirement.

How to Apply

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We strongly encourage you to submit your initial (first) FAFSA before July 1 immediately following your high school graduation so that you will receive TOPS credit on your college’s fee bill for the Fall semester after graduation. The absolute deadline to receive your initial TOPS application without a reduction in your award is July 1st following the one year anniversary of your high school graduation.

If you file your initial FAFSA after July 1 of your year of high school graduation, your TOPS payment will be made when your FAFSA has been received and your TOPS eligibility has been determined. Once you are determined TOPS eligible, your TOPS payments will be made beginning with the first semester you enrolled as a full time student in an eligible Louisiana college. Further payments will be made only if you meet the TOPS Continuing Eligibility Requirements.

If your initial TOPS application is received on or after July 2 but no later than October 29 following the one year anniversary of your high school graduation TOPS award will be reduced by one semester if received no later than August 30 or two semesters if received no later than October 29.

Students who can verify ineligibility for Federal Grants may forgo the FreeApplication for Federal Student Aid and apply via online application

CAUTION: IN THE EVENT OF A BUDGET SHORTFALL, STUDENTS COMPLETING THE TOPS ON-LINE APPLICATION INSTEAD OF THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID WILL BE THE FIRST TO LOSE THEIR TOPS AWARD!

TOPS Tech Award

The TOPS Tech Award pays for tuition for skill or occupational training at any schools within theLouisiana Community and technical College System,Louisiana approved Proprietary and Cosmetology Schools or Louisiana Public Colleges and Universities that do not offer abaccalaureate degree. If a student pursues skill or occupational training at a college within the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities or one within the Louisiana Public Colleges and Universities that offer baccalaureate degrees the award amount will be the average award paid to students attending public institutions that do not offer a baccalaureate degree.

Standard Eligibility Requirements

– Minimum High School GPA of 2.50 (GPA computed on core courses only)
– 17 Tech Core Units for Option 1
– 19 Tech Core Units for Option 2
– Minimum ACT Score ( or SAT Equivalent) of 17
– Must enroll full time as a first time freshman, by the first semester following the first anniversary of high school graduation
– Be a US citizen or permanent resident
– Meet TOPS Louisiana Residency requirements

*BESE-Approved Home Study Eligibility – ACT/SAT Score of 19 (2 points above standard in lieu of core units and GPA)
*Louisiana Residents graduating from an eligible out-of-state high school – ACT/SAT Score 20 (3 points above standard in lieu of core units and GPA)

Renewal Requirements

– Minimum Cum GPA of 2.50 at end of every Spring Semester. 1
– Minimum Cum GPA of 2.00 (Steady Academic Progress) at end of all other semesters. 1
– Enroll full-time (as defined by your institution) as of the 15th class day at a semester school or as of the 10th class day at a quarter school every semester or quarter they enroll and maintain continuous enrollment; 2 and
– Earn 24 or more hours for Academic Year (Fall Semester, Spring Semester and Summer Session). 2
– For more information on courses that will and will not fulfill the 24 Hours annual requirement click here.

1 Award will be reinstated if 2.50 GPA regained within 12 months.
2 Failure to enroll full time, maintain continuous enrollment or earn 24 hours results in cancellation of award and it cannot be reinstated without an Approved Request for Exception to the Initial, Continuous, or Full-Time Enrollment and/or 24 Hour Requirement.

How to Apply

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We strongly encourage you to submit your initial (first) FAFSA before July 1 immediately following your high school graduation so that you will receive TOPS credit on your college’s fee bill for the Fall semester after graduation. The absolute deadline to receive your initial TOPS application without a reduction in your award is July 1st following the one year anniversary of your high school graduation.

If you file your initial FAFSA after July 1 of your year of high school graduation, your TOPS payment will be made when your FAFSA has been received and your TOPS eligibility has been determined. Once you are determined TOPS eligible, your TOPS payments will be made beginning with the first semester you enrolled as a full time student in an eligible Louisiana college. Further payments will be made only if you meet the TOPS Continuing Eligibility Requirements.

If your initial TOPS application is received on or after July 2 but no later than October 29 following the one year anniversary of your high school graduation TOPS award will be reduced by one semester if received no later than August 30 or two semesters if received no later than October 29.

Students who can verify ineligibility for Federal Grants may forgo the FreeApplication for Federal Student Aid and apply via online application

CAUTION: IN THE EVENT OF A BUDGET SHORTFALL, STUDENTS COMPLETING THE TOPS ON-LINE APPLICATION INSTEAD OF THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID WILL BE THE FIRST TO LOSE THEIR TOPS AWARD!

Work Study

Work-study programs are a form of financial aid in which you perform work in exchange for money for your education. Federal government programs are the primary source of work-study, but individual college campuses may also offer their own programs to make additional financial aid available to as many students as possible.

Work-study programs have rules about whether the work can be on-campus or off-campus and about the maximum number of hours per week you can work. Your campus financial aid office should have the details specific to your program.

In order to apply for Federal Work Study, submit the FAFSA and indicate an interest in work-study in section 1 of the FAFSA.

To find out if there are campus-specific work-study programs at the school you plan to attend, contact that school’s financial aid office.

Volunteer Firemen’s Tuition Reimbursement

The Safer Tuition Reimbursement Grant is sponsored by the Louisiana State Firemen’s Association (LSFA). The program provides tuition reimbursement for up to ,000 for a two year degree and up to ,000 for a four year degree for eligible applicants who sign up to serve as volunteer firemen in the State Louisiana after graduation. Financial aid programs administered by the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) may provide assistance with the initial payment of the tutition, but those deemed eligible for the tuition reimbursement grant will receive that reimbursement from the Louisiana State Firemen’s Association (LSFA) and NOT the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA).

In order to obtain more information on LOSFA administered financial aid programs including eligibility requirements and the application procedures go to the LOSFA Financial Aid Programs page.

For information on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid which is necessary to submit in order to be considered for most financial aid programs go to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid page.

For more information on the Louisiana State Firemen’s Association’s Safer Tuition Reimbursement Grant Program including eligibility requirements and the application procedure click the logo below.