Louisiana Financial Aid - Funding My Future

Financial Aid

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Funding My Future

Most Louisiana high school graduates are eligible for some form of merit- or need-based financial aid. Students can apply for state and federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be used at four-year universities, two-year community colleges, and technical training programs. The FAFSA is used to determine the amount of money a family is expected to contribute to the price of attending a postsecondary institution, and the results of the FAFSA are used in determining student grants, work study, and educational loan amounts.


LOUISIANA'S FINANCIAL AID ACCESS POLICY

Louisiana requires public school students to take one of the following steps:

  1. Submit the FAFSA (if you want to apply for the federal Pell grant, federal student loans, the Louisiana GO Grant, and TOPS); OR

  2. Apply for TOPS (if you only want to apply for TOPS); OR

  3. Submit an opt-out non-participation form or letter (if you don't want to apply for TOPS or any other financial aid); OR

  4. Receive a waiver through the school system.

Visit the Financial Aid Library for translated opt-out and waiver forms in Arabic, Spanish, and Vietnamese.


FINANCIAL AID PLANNING Resources

See how your school’s FAFSA completion rate compares to others in your area by visiting LOSFA’s Compete to Complete website.

Are you a student selected for verification? If so, please review the Financial Aid Verification with tips on moving through the process.

Visit the LDOE Financial Aid Library to download financial aid resources for students, families, and schools.

Watch short, informative videos on the Federal Student Aid YouTube channel.

The 2022 State of Financial Aid in Louisiana annual report is also available. 

Please contact ldefinancialaid@la.gov for more information about any of these resources.

Got a burning FAFSA data question? Check out our frequently asked questions.