In Louisiana, your student's ACT score isn't just a college number — it's a scholarship number. The TOPS program ties real dollars to specific ACT scores, and in 2025 the state added a brand-new top tier that most families haven't heard about yet.
Here's the full ladder, clearly laid out.
The five TOPS award levels Each TOPS award pairs a minimum ACT composite with a required core-curriculum GPA: - TOPS Tech — ACT 17, core GPA 2.50. Aimed at two-year and workforce programs. - TOPS Opportunity — ACT 20, core GPA 2.50. The first four-year rung; covers tuition. - TOPS Performance — ACT 23, core GPA 3.25. Adds a $400/year stipend on top of tuition. - TOPS Honors — ACT 27, core GPA 3.50. Adds an $800/year stipend. - TOPS Excellence — ACT 31, core GPA 3.50. The new top tier.
The new Excellence Award — what to know Created by Act 347 of the 2025 legislative session, the TOPS Excellence Award is the most generous rung on the ladder. It's available to students graduating in the 2024-25 year and beyond, and it pays tuition and fees up to a set cap — up to $12,000 per year at Louisiana public institutions, or up to $8,500 at eligible LAICU private institutions. To qualify, a student needs a 31 ACT and a 3.5 GPA.
Why this matters: the ladder now tops out at a rung literally named "Excellence" at a 31 — and the ACT itself tops out at 36. Every point your student climbs moves them toward a bigger award and closer to the summit. Small steps, real money, big wins.
The retake advantage Louisiana uses your student's highest single-sitting composite for TOPS. A focused retake isn't just "trying again" — it's a direct climb from one award to the next. A student who moves from a 20 to a 23 doesn't just feel better; they unlock a larger award. One who reaches that new 31 unlocks the most generous award the state offers.
A few rules worth knowing early - You generally need a qualifying score by the April test of your senior year. Using a later score can cost a semester of eligibility. - The four-year awards cover up to eight semesters. - You must file the FAFSA (or the state application) by July 1. - Act 347 also added the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as a qualifying exam.
The most important sentence in this article Award dollar amounts are set annually and vary by institution. The figures here are current statutory caps, not guarantees. Always confirm your student's exact award at the official source — mylosfa.la.gov — before making any financial decision.
In Louisiana, one more ACT point can be worth thousands. The ladder is right there — the question is how high you climb.
TOPS tiers, amounts, and rules are set by LOSFA and can change. Verify everything at mylosfa.la.gov.