Initial application for the Louisiana TOPS program is through the federal government's FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and must be renewed every academic year by July 1 unless the student does not qualify for federal student aid due to the family's financial status. In which case, renewal is not necessary, but aid is subject to funds available, as students whose families do not qualify for aid will be the first to be eliminated from the TOPS program.
Students eligible for financial aid who do not renew through FAFSA by July 1 will lose their benefits as there is no grace period. For this reason, it is imperative to copy the FAFSA website's confirmation or obtain a proof of mailing of the renewal from the U. S. Postal Service.
Each year the student must pass and earn 24 academic hours in the qualified higher-learning institution associated with the TOPS award to maintain qualification. Failure to earn 24 hours results in the permanent cancellation of the award unless the student is granted an exception for cause. Advanced placement hours earned during high school do not qualify toward the 24 hours requirement.
Depending on the level of TOPS award, certain grade levels must be earned in order to maintain eligibility. For the TOPS Opportunity Award, a cumulative grade average of 2.30 is required for the first 48 academic hours. After completion of 48 hours, the student must maintain an average of 2.50. If grade averages fall below these minimums, the award will be suspended.
For students earning the TOPS Performance/Honors Award, a cumulative grade average of 3.0 is required. Falling below this average results in loss of benefits; first to the TOPS Opportunity Award level for the remaining period of eligibility, and then to suspension of the award.
If the required grade averages cannot be achieved within two years, the award will be lost. Once lost, the award cannot be regained.