TOPS FAQ - Spring 2017

Updated as of 12/5/16 – If we receive word of any changes to this information or to the award amounts they will be posted here, so please check back regularly.

Please be aware of the important changes to TOPS funding for the spring 2017 semester. 

What is the current status of TOPS awards for spring 2017?

TOPS was funded at 93.06% for the fall and currently is projected to be funded at 41.8% for the spring.  This percentage is based on current information from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid.

How much will TOPS cover?

TOPS scholarships are applied to the tuition portion of your tuition and fees.  Southeastern tuition at 12 hours this spring is $2,888.60.Currently, TOPS Opportunity is expected to be $1,181.31; TOPS Performance, $1,264.91; and TOPS Honors $1,348.51.

So how much am I actually responsible for?

$4,147.00 is your total tuition and fees for a full-time student (12 hours), including rental textbooks.  Deducting the TOPS portion to be covered of $1,181.31, your remaining total responsibility is $2,965.69.  See below for Performance and Honors breakout:

  TOPS Opportunity

  Tuition and Fees (assuming 12 hour full time student)                   $4,147.00

  TOPS Payment Amount                                                                  $1,181.31

  Your Responsibility                                                                          $2,965.69

  TOPS Performance

  Tuition and Fees (assuming 12 hour full time student)                   $4,147.00

  TOPS Payment Amount                                                                  $1,264.91

  Your Responsibility                                                                          $2,882.09

  TOPS Honors

  Tuition and Fees (assuming 12 hour full time student)                   $4,147.00

  TOPS Payment Amount                                                                  $1,348.51

  Your Responsibility                                                                          $2,798.49

 

How can I determine exactly what I will owe?

Check your LeoNet account.  Tuition and fee amounts are now available on your account.  You can find more detailed instructions on finding your balance here.

Are there other financial aid options to help me pay for the remaining balance for the spring semester?

Yes.  First, if you have not yet done so, please fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to ensure you are aware of all the financial aid for which you may be eligible.  You can fill out the FAFSA here.  Beyond this, review the other options that may be available by visiting the Southeastern Financial Aid webpage here. 

Does Southeastern offer a payment plan option?

Yes.  Southeastern offers the Southeastern Payment Plan that will allow you to split the cost into three payments.  TOPS awards or any other anticipated aid posted to your account can be applied to your first payment which will decrease the amount you would have to pay out of pocket.  Details can be found at the Controller’s Office Website.

How will this affect my current student loan / should I consider applying for a student loan?

Student loans are one of your options.  If you currently have a student loan and you want additional loan funds to help cover the increase in out-of-pocket expense, contact the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible.  If you do not have a loan and have completed the FAFSA, contact Financial Aid immediately to request a loan.  If you are considering funding the TOPS shortfall with a loan you should take action as soon as possible.  You can change your requested funds to a lower amount later should anything change, but you should not wait until just before the semester to begin this process.

I heard about the Opt Out option and the Request for Exception process.  Where can I get more information about them?

Go to the TOPS Scholarship Information section on the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance Q&A here to learn more about these options.

What else should I do?

Prepare now.  Do not wait to address the need for more money for tuition until the start of the semester.  Make appropriate plans so you do not jeopardize your academic progress.  Make sure you have investigated all financial aid, scholarship and loan options as noted above.  There is also more detailed information on the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aissistance FAQ here.

Will TOPS go back up for the fall 2017?

At this time, we do not know funding levels for future years.  This will be determined by the budgetary process the state will take up in the spring.