Taylor Opportunity Programs for Students (TOPS)
BPCC participates in the LOSFA-administered state tuition program known as TOPS. TOPS is a merit-based scholarship program. LOSFA compiles a master roster that is updated weekly. The master roster identifies students who are eligible for TOPS based on FAFSA
information, high school core curriculum requirements, ACT scores, and GPA. BPCC receives this roster and applies the TOPS award amount to the accounts of students who are enrolled or planning to enroll at BPCC (based on FAFSA information).
Students are strongly encouraged to reapply annually (prior to July 1 each year) for TOPS by completing the FAFSA or renewal FAFSA. Students must complete the FAFSA annually if they qualify for federal grant aid. In the event of a budget shortfall, students who do not reapply by submitting a FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA will be the first to lose their TOPS award. Students who are receiving other forms of financial aid must submit the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA each year to continue receiving aid. Students should check their renewal status by creating an account on the “Louisiana Award System” located on the LOSFA web site www.osfa.state.la.us.
Additional links for TOPS Information
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TOPS Requirements
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TOPS Opportunity, Performance, Honors Brochure
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TOPS Tech Brochure
- TOPS Information
- Tech Eligible Programs (BPCC Programs)
Retaining Your TOPS award
As a TOPS recipient you must be continuously enrolled as a full-time student during each academic year. You MUST earn (pass) 24 hours each academic year to retain their TOPS award. Failure to earn 24 hours will result in cancellation of your TOPS award unless you are granted an exception for cause.
Credit hours earned during the summer term do not account toward the academic year requirement of 24 credit hours. Only TOPS Tech recipients can use hours earned in the summer sessions to meet their 24 hour per academic year requirement.
Cancellation vs. Suspension
When a TOPS award is suspended for GPA or Steady Academic Progress, students have an opportunity to have their award reinstated once they have re-attained the minimum required cumulative GPA provided the period of ineligibility does not exceed two years (one year for the TOPS-Tech Award or a student using an Opportunity, Performance, or Honors Award to pursue a technical program).
Cancellation of an award due to hours is permanent unless a student is granted an exception. Students must apply for an exception within 6 months of the award cancellation date. If the exception is approved, it is still possible for the student to be placed on suspension for GPA or Steady Academic Progress.
Exceptions
If you are granted an exception through the TOPS office, you must submit a copy your exception letter from LOSFA to the Financial Aid Office.
TOPS Amount Awarded Per Award Year
The TOPS award does not cover your entire fee bill. You are responsible for paying all fees/amounts that TOPS does not pay. If you have other aid that will cover the portion of your fee bill that TOPS does NOT pay, but the aid is not posted to your account, you MUST contact the Financial Aid Office before the payment deadline.
| 2012 – 2013 TOPS Award Amounts | |||
TOPS Award |
Award Amount |
Stipend Amount (per semester) |
Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
Tech * |
$1,186 / $1,185 |
No stipend |
$2,371 |
Opportunity |
$1,186 / $1,185 |
No stipend |
$2,371 |
Performance |
$1,186 / $1,185 |
$200 fall |
$2,771 |
Honors |
$1,186 / $1,185 |
$400 fall |
$3,171 |
* The TOPS Tech Award pays for tuition for skilled or occupational training at any school within the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, Louisiana approved Proprietary and Cosmetology Schools or Louisiana Public Colleges and Universities that do not offer a baccalaureate degree. TOPS Tech recipients must be seeking a major that complies with the above listed requirements as set forth by LOSFA. The following programs of study at Bossier Parish Community College meet those requirements: