Attending college can seem like an unattainable goal for many high school students in Louisiana. Tuition costs have seen a steady increase in recent years even at state schools. It is almost a necessity to have a college degree to survive in today’s economy.
There are a ton of different options available to Louisiana high school students that want to get a bachelor’s degree. One of the most popular ways to fund education is through federal grants and loans. Applying for these is as simple as filling out an FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid). The information on the FAFSA is used by the government to decide how much money the person will receive towards their education through the federal government.
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Applying for college scholarships and loans can have an enormous impact on someone’s college education. They can alleviate the financial burden for some and help them focus on their schoolwork instead of worrying about how they are going to afford the education. They also help a person go to college without having to leave and come back due to financial concerns. This significantly increases their chances for success while they are in school.
Scholarships also reduce the number of loans that a student needs to get. Student debt is a huge issue that is greatly saddling individuals across the country. The average student leaves school with about $30,000 in student debt according to U.S. News and World Report. Scholarships and grants can significantly reduce this burden.
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The following are some of the best Louisiana scholarships available to students in the state:
1. Taylor Opportunity Program for Students
The TOPS program in Louisiana is a program designed to help students who meet certain guidelines additional assistance. It is applied for through the FAFSA. The scholarship is awarded in different amounts based on the student’s qualifications. In the 2015-2016 school year, the TOPS Honors award was worth $3,103, the TOPS Performance was worth $2,903, and the TOPS Opportunity Award was worth $2,703. To maintain eligibility, the student must be enrolled in classes full-time. The student must also maintain a 2.0 GPA to keep the award each year.
You can learn more about the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students here.
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2. President’s Alumni Scholars Award
This scholarship provides full tuition and room and board to students that are attending Louisiana State University. To qualify the incoming student must be in the top 10 of their class. They must also score at least a 33 on their ACT or 1440 on the SAT. Students are selected to compete for the award and will provide an essay and be part of a faculty panel. On top of the full tuition, students also receive a $2,000 stipend to study abroad. Working for the President’s Future Leaders in Research program can also help them earn up to $1,550 annually.
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3. Stamps Leadership Scholars Award
Must have at least a 33 on the ACT and 1440 on the SAT. A 3.5 GPA in high school is also necessary. Students accepted into the honors program compete via essay, resume, and faculty panel for the award. The Stamps Scholarship covers all tuition and room and board. Awardees can also earn up to $1,550 per year in the President’s Future Leaders in Research Program. On top of that students have access to up to $14,000 in enrichment programs while they are enrolled in school.
You can learn more about the Stamps Leadership Scholars Award here.
4. Flagship Scholars Award
This scholarship is available from Louisiana State University to incoming freshman that have at least a 33 on the ACT and 1440 on the ACT. Students must also have a 3.5 GPA in high school. There is no additional application outside of the common application necessary. The scholarships awards in-state qualifiers with $2,500 per year. Those that are attending from out of state will be awarded $20,500. These students will also have the opportunity to earn up to $1,550 per year through the President’s Future Leaders in Research Program.
You can learn more about the Flagship Scholars Award here.
5. John Hainkel Louisiana Scholars Award
Students who finish in the top 5% of their class while taking an honors or AP course load are eligible for this scholarship. It covers all tuition and room and board and any Louisiana college. It also provides a stipend for books and other expenses annually. It is renewable for four years. To be eligible students must submit for early admission and submit the Dean’s scholarship application and have a sealed scholarship recommendation from one of their educators.
You can learn more about the John Hainkel Louisiana Scholars Award here.
6. Paul Tulane Award
This award is given to incoming freshman at Tulane University. It is a merit-based scholarship. It covers the full tuition at the school. The scholarship is able to be renewed each year for up to 4 years. Some may renew the scholarship for up to 5 years if they are on a degree track that requires five years of study. Typical awardees are in the top 5% of their class. They are also near the top in test scores and have a long resume of extra activities outside of just normal schoolwork.
You can learn more about the Paul Tulane Award here.
7. Academic Scholars Award
Another advantageous scholarship for those that are looking to attend LSU. It provides in-state Louisiana residents with $2,000 per year. Out of state students attending LSU will be awarded $15,500 per year. There is no addition application process for students to qualify for the scholarship. To qualify students must score at least a minimum of a 30 on the ACT and 1330 on the SAT.
You can learn more about the Academic Scholars Award here.
8. Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Scholarship
Need-based scholarship that assists residents of Louisiana wishing to attend a 4-year Louisiana school. The scholarship is based on both academic performance and financial need. The amount given to each student is also different based on the specific needs of that student. Students must have at least a 2.5 GPA in high school and at least a score of 18 on the ACT. Students must have graduated from a Louisiana high school. Students must also show proof of financial need and one reference letter based on their character to qualify for the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Scholarship.
You can learn more about the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Scholarship here.
9. Louisiana Tech Merit Based Scholarships
Students who perform well academically in high school are eligible for a merit-based scholarship from Louisiana Tech. Students who get at least a 23 on their ACT can get one of these scholarships starting at $1,200 (in-state). Those that score a 32 on the ACT can get up to $14,700 a year towards their education at Louisiana Tech. This scholarship is given based on the student’s application. There is not an additional application for the scholarship. Students must apply by January 5th to be eligible for the Merit Based Scholarship.
You can learn more about the Louisiana Tech Merit Based Scholarships here.
10. Bulldog Out of State Scholarship
This scholarship assists out of state students that wish to attend Louisiana Tech. The scholarship covers all out of state fees to attend the university. There is no extra application on top of the school application to receive the scholarship. The school will determine eligibility automatically based on the standard school application. To qualify for this scholarship students must have a score of 23 on the ACT or 1050 on the SAT. They also must have at least a 2.5 GPA in high school on a 4-point scale while also not having to take remedial classes in Math or English while at Louisiana Tech.
You can learn more about the Bulldog Out of State Scholarship here.
11. Tiger Excellence Scholars Award
This is another LSU scholarship that benefits those that are looking to attend LSU from out of state. It awards in Freshman state students with $1,500 per year and out of state students with $7,500 per year. The academic requirements are that the student gets at least a 28 on the ACT or at least 1250 on the SAT. Students must also maintain a 3.0 GPA in high school to be eligible.
You can learn more about the Tiger Excellence Scholars Award here.
12. Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to incoming Freshman students that are pursuing a degree in one of the following majors at a public college in Louisiana: forestry, wildlife, or marine science. Students who are awarded this scholarship will receive $2,000 annually if they are an undergraduate and $3,000. $12,000 is the cumulative maximum that can be received through this scholarship through 3 years of undergraduate and two years of graduate study. To qualify, applicants must be a Louisiana resident for at least a year. They also must have at least a 2.5 GPA if they are undergraduate and 3.0 at the graduate level.
You can learn more about the Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship here.
13. Sam S. Politz Scholarship Fund
Two or Four of these are given out annually to students attending an accredited college in Louisiana. They are worth $1,000 a semester for eight semesters. To qualify students must have taken honors or AP classes in college and maintained a 3.0 GPA and scored at least a 20 on the ACT. To maintain the scholarship, the student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in college while attending full time. Students must prove their full-time status each year to keep receiving the scholarship. The number of scholarships given out each year varies based on the funds that are available.
You can learn more about the Sam S. Politz Scholarship Fund here.
14. Charles P. Lake – Rain for Rent Scholarship
One of these scholarships is given out annually. It is given to a student who is planning on majoring in Environmental Engineering. The student must also be a resident of Illinois, Louisiana, or Texas. This award is given after the student’s freshman year. The minimum requirement for GPA is 3.0. Community involvement also plays a massive role in decided who will be awarded the scholarship. The scholarship is worth $1,000 to the winner. Those that apply must be willing to provide a picture for PR.
You can learn more about the Charles P. Lake – Rain for Rent Scholarship here.
15. Fred R. McDaniel Scholarship
This scholarship is given to those students that are majoring in electronics, communications, or something closely related. To be eligible, the student must have a 3.0 GPA and be a licensed radio operator. The student must be from Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico, or Mississippi. The student also must be attending college in a school located in one of these states.
You can learn more about the Fred R. McDaniel Scholarship here.
16. Founders Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by the Office of Admissions at Tulane University. Typical students are eligible if they are in the top 10% of their class and have higher than average test scores, and have taken a rigorous course load in high school with membership in clubs or sports as well. It covers full tuition for any student that is awarded the scholarship. Students must apply by January 15th in order to be eligible for the Tulane Founders Scholarship. It cannot be combined with any other Tulane merit-based scholarship.
You can learn more about the Founders Scholarship here.
17. Valedictorian Scholarship
Students who have been deemed the Valedictorian of their class in high school are eligible for the Valedictorian’s Scholarship. Any student who is a valedictorian at a school in Louisiana and wishes to attend a Louisiana college will be awarded this scholarship. The scholarship is worth $5,000 annually and can be renewed each year for up to 4 years. It can be renewed for five years if the student is a 5-year program.
You can learn more about the Valedictorian Scholarship here.
18. Mayoral Scholarship
This scholarship is available only to those students who went to high school in the New Orleans area that will be attending Tulane University. The application for this scholarship must be turned in no later than January 15. The FAFSA must also be filed by Feb 15th to be eligible. 5 New Orleans students are awarded this scholarship each year based on academic performance and financial need. The five scholarship winners will have their full tuition covered for any student that is awarded it.
You can learn more about the Mayoral Scholarship here.
19. Community Service Fellowship
This scholarship is awarded to students who have shown exemplary service in their communities in Louisiana or in the Tulane community itself. It is worth up to $20,000 annually (or up to full tuition at the school if combined with other scholarships). It is awarded to up to 15 deserving students each year. Students will also receive training and engage in fellowship when it comes to community service and leadership.
You can learn more about the Community Service Fellowship here.
20. Fastline Publications Scholarship
This scholarship is available to those pursuing a degree in agricultural business, sales, or marketing. It is also available to those going for a degree in Ranch Management. 17 of these scholarships are given out each year. They are valued at $1,000 per year. 7 of these scholarships are also given to FFA members that are seeking 2-year degrees in similar fields of study. The next deadline for application is February 1, 2017. Selection is based on who has the best application.
You can learn more about the Fastline Publications Scholarship here.
21. Clubs of America
This is an essay based scholarship. Any student wishing to obtain this scholarship must write a 600-word essay about their career aspirations and how it relates to their studies. They can be currently enrolled in school and must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Those that are granted the award will receive a $1,000 award towards their education. Those that wish to apply must do so by August 31, 2016, in order to be eligible for the award.
You can learn more about the Clubs of America here.
22. Nancy Cochran Abbey Scholarship
Available to a member of Kappa Alpha Theta that is in good academic standing. Only available to students that are attending school in Louisiana or Texas. Any new student that is applying for this award must be initiated into Kappa Alpha Theta before the application deadline passes. This award can be given in any year of study as long as the student is initiated. The award is worth $1,925 and is not renewable.
You can learn more about the Nancy Cochran Abbey Scholarship here.
23. Society of Louisiana’s CPA Scholarship
Students who are pursuing a degree in accounting are eligible for this scholarship. It is a merit-based award given only to students from Louisiana. Students must have references from 2 accounting faculty members and have a GPA of at least 2.5. The maximum amount of the award is $1,000. The amount can fluctuate based on the number of people who qualify for the award annually.
You can learn more about the Society of Louisiana’s CPA Scholarship here.
24. PGMS’s Scholarship Program
This scholarship is geared towards students in the Computer Science fields who are focusing on the health care industry. It is a new scholarship for the 2016-17 school year. There will be two scholarships given, and they will each be valued at $1,500. Applicants must submit by 6/30/2016 and must display academic achievement along with leadership skills. Each fall, winners of this scholarship will have the opportunity to attend the GIE Expo is Louisville, KY.
You can learn more about the PGM’s Scholarship Program here.
25. Eleanor Roosevelt Fund Award
This award is given to a graduate student who has taken serious action to help aided in the fight for equality for women in the workplace and education. It was founded in 1989. The amount of the award varies from year to year. The award is sponsored by the American Association of University Women. The submission deadline for applications for this award is 11/11/15. Eash awardee will get $5,000.
You can learn more about the Eleanor Roosevelt Fund Award here.
26. MetLife Foundation Scholarship
Students in the state of Louisiana, who are studying agricultural studies as they relate to science or business, are eligible for this award. Each year the company gives out ten scholarships worth $2,000 each. Only one will be provided in the state of Louisiana. It is a one-year award given and students in any year of school are eligible. The application deadline is on February 1st. The award is worth $2,000 and is non-renewable.
You can learn more about the MetLife Foundation Scholarship here.
27. Louisiana Go Grant Program
This program is designed to help Louisiana residents who have further need after receiving their Pell Grant and other government student aid programs. Students must complete the FAFSA to qualify. The grant ranges in value from a minimum of $300 to a maximum of $3,000. It is available to those that are attending a trade or technical school. The grant is renewable as long as the FAFSA is filed each year and the student receives their Pell Grant. The amount can vary from year to year when renewed.
You can learn more about the Louisiana Go Grant Program here.
28. Morna Elizabeth Dusenbury Fellowship
This scholarship is awarded to one member of the Alpha Phi Fraternity that attends Tulane University as an undergraduate. 1 person is awarded the scholarship each school year. The applicant must be initiated into the fraternity before the application deadline. The scholarship has a value of $3000.
You can learn more about the Morna Elizabeth Dusenbury Fellowship here.
29. ASCP Scholarship
Allows an active-duty member of the Air Force to go to school and pursue their commission through the ROTC program. It is available to students no matter what year of undergrad they are. The scholarship is worth $15,000 per year. It is given to multiple people each year. To qualify, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA and score ate least a 25 on the ACT or 1180 on the SAT.
You can learn more about the ASCP Scholarship here.
30. In-College Scholarship Program
This is scholarship is available to freshman and sophomores. In order to be eligible, they must pass the Air Force Officers Qualifying test. There are three different phases of the award each with different award amounts. Type 2 is worth $15,000. Type 3 is worth $9,000. Type 6 is worth $6,000. The scholarship is available for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 3 years.
You can learn more about the In-College Scholarship Program here.
31. EMU National Scholar Award
This scholarship will pay the out of state difference 15 credit hours per semester of the qualifying student. The student must be a freshman or a transfer student. The student must also have at least a 3.5 GPA. This award is not available to students that are residents of either Michigan or Ohio. Those that are Freshman must live in campus housing the first two years that they receive the scholarship.
You can learn more about the EMU National Scholar Award here.
32. Amelia Earhart Fellowship
This scholarship is given to women that are pursuing a doctoral degree in an aerospace related field like engineering. 35 different fellows are chosen each year for the award. The amount given is $10,000 per recipient. The Fellowship was founded in 1938. The deadline for application is 11/15. The fellowship has given away almost $10 million in scholarship money to over 1500 recipients since its inception. The fellowship is available to a woman of any nationality.
You can learn more about the Amelia Earhart Fellowship here.
33. Matthew 20:28 Scholarship
This scholarship is given each year to a student at Louisiana College. It is given to a student who is active in community service who also displays great leadership skills. The student must live on campus to be considered for this award. The scholarship is valued at $1,800 annually. The student must also have at least a 3.0 GPA to qualify for the scholarship. The scholarship is provided by the institution itself and is only available to incoming Freshmen.
You can learn more about the Matthew 20:28 Scholarship here.
34. Central Louisiana Incentive Award
This is another scholarship that is given to a student at Louisiana College. The student must live off of campus. They must also maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. The award is worth $1,000 annually. This award is given by the college itself and is only available to incoming Freshmen, who are commuters.
You can learn more about the Central Louisiana Incentive Award here.
35. LBF Kid’s Chance Scholarship Program
This program provides scholarships to college to students that have parents that have been killed or injured on the job while in an accident at work that is under any Worker’s Compensation Act or Law that happened after 2004. The scholarship is need-based. Students must maintain a “C” average or higher to be eligible for the program. They also must be between the ages of 16 or 25. The award ranges in value from $500 per year to $3000 per year.
You can learn more about the LBF Kid’s Chance Scholarship Program here.
We’ve worked hard to include a variety of scholarship opportunities within our list. If you have any suggestions on additional scholarships, please feel free to leave them in the comments section.