The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a program of state merit-based 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, Louisiana approved Proprietary and Cosmetology Schools or institutions that are a part of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. The TOPS Performance Award pays the TOPS Award Amount set by the administering agency for a student at a particular institution unless increased by Act of the Legislature 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 award amount that was set for public colleges and universities plus an annual stipend of $400. In order to be considered for TOPS, the student must attend a Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved high school. All Louisiana public schools are approved. If the student attends a non-public school, it must be approved by BESE in order for the student to be considered for TOPS. This award may be renewed for eight semesters. Please visit the award's website or contact the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information.