State and Federal Grants
Louisiana TOPS
Louisiana's Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a comprehensive program of state scholarships and can be applied to you Centenary education. Eligibility is determined by the state. The program is subject to legislative revision and funding issues. Students must be residents of Louisiana. Amounts awarded to private institutions in 2007 ranged from $2676 - $3476. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) serves as the state's application. Please visit the state's TOPS website for detailed information.
Louisiana GO Grant
The Louisiana GO Grant is a need-based financial aid program aimed at making college more affordable for students from moderate- and low-income families. Louisiana resident students who are eligible for and receive the Federal Pell Grant may also be eligible for the GO Grant. The grant helps cover the difference between the actual cost of attending a public or private college in Louisiana and the amount of a student’s Pell Grant award. The GO Grant award for full-time students is $2,000 per academic year. Eligible part-time students may receive up to $1,000 per year. Enrollment criteria: Louisiana resident admitted and enrolled, beginning Fall 2007, as a certificate or degree-seeking undergraduate student at a Louisiana public or private (LAICU) college or university: (1) as a first time freshman or (2) aged 25 or older and not having enrolled in a college or university in credit bearing courses for at least one academic year.
LEAP
Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) grants are available to students who are residents of Louisiana and a citizen of the United States. Eligibility for LEAP is based on the student's academic record and financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must be enrolled full time and be in good academic standing academically to qualify for LEAP. Grants range from $200 to $1,500 per year. These grants are limited due to a shortage in appropriated funds.
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants are awarded directly to students by the federal government once the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been filed and verified. The amount for which a student is eligible is determined individually by the U.S. Department of Education. The maximum amount in 2008-09 is $4,731 per year. Students who have financial need and meet eligibility requirements can receive a Pell Grant as long as they are making satisfactory progress toward their undergraduate degree.
Federal SEOG
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need through the filing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These grants range from $100 to $4,000 per year, although funding is very limited.
Federal ACG
Federal Academic Competitiveness Grants are awarded to undergraduate students in their first or second year of study who qualify for a Federal Pell Grant and have completed a rigorous high school curriculum. The first year student may be awarded up to $750 per year and the second year student may be awarded up to $1300 per year as long as they have achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
Federal SMART Grant
Federal SMART Grants are awarded to undergraduate student in their third or fourth year of study who qualify for a Federal Pell Grant and are majoring in certain degree programs as designated by the U.S. Department of Education. The student may receive up to $4,000 per year and must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA per semester.