Louisiana allows TOPS-Tech aid for part-time students if money remains

Otherwise eligible students qualify for TOPS-Tech education aid by meeting at least two of three academic requirements. The three options are the required core-course grade average, the required ACT test score, and early college credits or approved equivalent skills measures. Credits may come from academic or technical courses taken for college credit while in high school. Students must meet the program's other eligibility rules, and the agency running the program determines whether they meet the academic requirements. The credit option requires at least nine early college credit hours or equivalent skills and learning measures approved by the Statewide Articulation and Transfer Council. This qualification rule applies to students graduating from high school during or after the 2026–2027 academic year.

TOPS-Tech recipients may keep receiving aid while attending part-time if they meet continuing eligibility rules and money remains for their payments. The continuing eligibility rules cover full-time and part-time TOPS-Tech recipients. Part-time awards can be paid only from money remaining in funds set aside for TOPS awards. Students must make steady progress and keep a cumulative grade average of at least 2.50 on a 4.00 scale. They must stay continuously enrolled unless the agency running the program grants an exception for cause. Students must have no criminal conviction except misdemeanor traffic violations. Those who have left military service must have an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions. Students who lose aid for grades or progress may regain it by meeting those standards and maintaining other requirements. The period without eligibility cannot exceed one year unless an extension or exception applies. Active military duty extends that one-year period by the time served, up to four years. Students who reenlist and remain continuously on active duty receive an extension equal to their service. The agency may also grant an exception for cause—including a justified reason for more time to regain eligibility. The continuing eligibility rules for full-time and part-time attendance apply beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year.