TOPS Fall 2020 Questions and Answers

Q: Am I required to enroll full time for the Fall 2020 Semester in order to maintain my TOPS award?

A: Yes, full time enrollment is required to maintain TOPS eligibility. Your TOPS award may be used for in-person, on-line, or hybrid attendance at an eligible Louisiana institution, as long as you are enrolled full time. The TOPS award amount by institution may be found here.

Q:  Is it possible to request an exception to the requirement to attend school in Fall 2020?

A:  Yes.  You may request an exception based on any of the exception types indicated on the Request for Exception Form.  Page 5 of the form provides specific information regarding requesting an exception based on COVID-19.  Note that submission of the form does not guarantee that your request will be granted.

Q: May I use my TOPS award to attend on-line classes?

A: Yes, your TOPS award may be used for full time, on-line attendance at an eligible Louisiana institution.

Q: Is my TOPS award affected if I choose on-line or hybrid attendance, instead of in-person attendance?

A: No, your TOPS award will not change if you choose on-line or hybrid attendance at an eligible Louisiana institution. The TOPS award amount paid is the same regardless of the attendance option chosen: in-person, on-line or hybrid. The TOPS award amount by institution may be found here. Please note you are still required to enroll full time if you choose on-line or hybrid attendance at an eligible Louisiana institution.

Q: I am a first time freshman. Am I required to enroll for the Fall 2020 semester in order to accept my TOPS award?

A: No, first time freshman have a year from high school graduation to accept their TOPS award. Therefore, a 2020 high school graduate has until Fall 2021 to accept their TOPS award. However, if you choose to enroll this fall, your TOPS Award may be used for in-person, on-line, or hybrid attendance.