Discover Magnolia Bend Academy School
What is TOPS?
The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) provides eligible Louisiana students with valuable financial assistance to pursue a postsecondary education. Students who attend a BESE-approved home study program for 11th grade, if applicable, and 12th grade are eligible to apply for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), provided they are U.S. citizens or permanent residents who meet TOPS Louisiana residency requirements.
What are the Initial Eligibility Requirements?
To qualify for TOPS, a student must:
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Meet TOPS Louisiana residency requirements.
• Complete a BESE-approved home study program for 11th-grade, if applicable, and
12th-grade.
• Meet minimum ACT composite score requirements
What are the ACT Eligibility Requirements?
The ACT qualifying scores for home study students are:
- TOPS Tech – 17
- TOPS Opportunity – 20
- TOPS Performance – 23
- TOPS Honors – 27
- TOPS Excellence – 31
How do I apply for the TOPS Scholarship?
- You have two options to apply for TOPS: the TOPS Online Application or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). The FAFSA® allows you to apply for TOPS, other state aid, and all federal aid.
- To apply ONLY for TOPS, you should complete the TOPS Online Application.
- To apply for federal student aid, TOPS, Louisiana GO Grant, and other state aid programs, you must complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA®: www.studentaid.gov
- Federal student aid programs include Pell Grants, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), student loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), and the Federal Work Study (FWS) Program.
- If you complete the FAFSA®, you do not have to fill out the TOPS Online Application to apply for TOPS.
- You can go to Online Application FAFSA to help either fill out the FAFSA or the TOPS Online Application
When do I have to compelte the FAFSA or TOPS Application?
FAFSA and TOPS applications must be completed by July 1st. It is always good practice to apply as early as possible or at least by your graduation date.
What if I have a question for LOSFA? Who Do I Contact?
- You can email the Home Study division of LOSFA at TOPS.Homestudy@la.gov
- Download the guide above for all things Home Study and TOPS.