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Scholarships
Louisiana scholarships: What you need to know
Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Scholarships for Louisiana
Featured
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Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 4/30/26
$2,000
Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarship
Due: 5/1/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarship is open to undergraduate students enrolled full-time. In accordance with guidelines prescribed by the founder, the grantee institutions award scholarships based on need to Christian women who reside in one of the specified southern states. Students must reside in one of the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Alice L. Haltom Educational Fund Scholarship
Due: 5/1/26
Varies
The Alice L. Haltom Educational Fund Scholarship will be awarded to students who must be citizens of the U.S. or Canada and residents in the Southwest Region of the United States. Prior years' award recipients will be considered. Students must be actively pursuing an education for a career in information and records management. These are restricted to Records Management or Governance, Archivist and Academic Library degrees or studies. Three letters of recommendation are required from employers, instructors or individuals qualified to attest to the applicant's character. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Mr. Truitt Lowery & Mrs. Eleanor Lowery Endowed Scholarship
Due: 6/30/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
$500
The Mr. Truitt Lowery & Mrs. Eleanor Lowery Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to a student who must have graduated from high school with at least a 3.0 GPA. This is a one-year award. This award is open only to a student to enrolls at GSU during his/her freshman year. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for more information.
Harper Family Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Due: 6/30/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$500
The Harper Family Endowed Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a Franklin Parish resident. Special consideration will be given to the applicant's academic performance. Applicants must have an earnest financial need. Extenuating circumstances will be considered. All awards will be subject to the recommendation and approval of the Provost. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for more information.
Ben D. Johnson Endowed Scholarship
Due: 6/30/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,000
The Ben D. Johnson Endowed Scholarship shall be awarded in such amount and proportion as determined by the GSU Scholarship Committee, as deemed appropriate to assist a deserving student, unless otherwise stipulated by the donor. Recipients shall be prohibited from exceeding the cost of education. Awards may be reduced or canceled to avoid an over-award. Applicants must be enrolled at GSU with good academic standing. They must be admitted to and matriculated in the institution awarding the scholarship for the period(s) during which scholarship funds are disbursed. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for more information.
Taylor Opportunity Program for Students Performance Award
Due: 7/1/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
Varies
The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a program of state merit-based scholarships for Louisiana residents who attend either one of the Louisiana Public Colleges and Universities, schools that are a part of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, Louisiana approved Proprietary and Cosmetology Schools or institutions that are a part of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. The TOPS Performance Award pays the TOPS Award Amount set by the administering agency for a student at a particular institution unless increased by Act of the Legislature plus an annual stipend of $400. If a student attends a college within the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the award amount will be the weighted average award amount that was set for public colleges and universities plus an annual stipend of $400. In order to be considered for TOPS, the student must attend a Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved high school. All Louisiana public schools are approved. If the student attends a non-public school, it must be approved by BESE in order for the student to be considered for TOPS. This award may be renewed for eight semesters. Please visit the award's website or contact the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information.
Taylor Opportunity Program for Students Honors Award
Due: 7/1/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
Varies
The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a program of state merit-based scholarships for Louisiana residents who attend either one of the Louisiana Public Colleges and Universities, schools that are a part of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, Louisiana approved Proprietary and Cosmetology Schools or institutions that are a part of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. The TOPS Honors Award pays the TOPS Award Amount set by the administering agency for a student at a particular institution unless increased by Act of the Legislature plus an annual stipend of $800. If a student attends a college within the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the award amount will be the weighted average award amount that was set for public colleges and universities plus an annual stipend of $800. In order to be considered for TOPS, the student must attend a Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved high school. All Louisiana public schools are approved. If the student attends a non-public school, it must be approved by BESE in order for the student to be considered for TOPS. This award may be renewed for eight semesters. Please visit the award's website or contact the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information.
Taylor Opportunity Program for Students Opportunity Level
Due: 7/1/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
Varies
The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a program of state merit-based scholarships for Louisiana residents who attend either one of the Louisiana Public Colleges and Universities, schools that are a part of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, Louisiana approved Proprietary and Cosmetology Schools or institutions that are a part of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. The TOPS Opportunity Award pays the TOPS Award Amount set by the administering agency for a student at a particular institution unless increased by Act of the Legislature. If a student attends a college within the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the award amount will be the weighted average award amount that was set for public colleges and universities. In order to be considered for TOPS, the student must attend a Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved high school. All Louisiana public schools are approved. If the student attends a non-public school, it must be approved by BESE in order for the student to be considered for TOPS. This award may be renewed for eight semesters. Please visit the award's website or contact the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information.
Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship
Due: 7/1/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
$12,000
The Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship is a competitive scholarship that awards $2,000 annually for an undergraduate student and $3,000 annually to a graduate student pursuing a degree in forestry, wildlife or marine science at a Louisiana Public College or University. The cumulative maximum award is $12,000 for up to three years of undergraduate study and two years of graduate study. Applicants must be enrolled as a student in a Louisiana Public College or University majoring in forestry, wildlife or marine science with the intent of obtaining a degree in that field. Undergraduate students must have earned at least 60 hours of college credit and have at least a 2.50 cumulative college GPA. Graduate students must have at least a 3.00 cumulative college GPA on all credits earned in graduate school. Applications may be submitted through email or mail. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
What to know about Louisiana scholarships
- Louisiana scholarships can lower how much you pay for school. They can help cover tuition, fees, books, and other education costs, and you don’t need to repay scholarship money.
- You’ll find options for different types of students. Louisiana scholarships aren’t only for first-time freshmen. Some are for adult learners, grad students, transfer students, or workforce training students.
- State aid and school-based aid can work together. You may be able to combine state programs, private scholarships, and college scholarships to reduce your total college bill.
- Some Louisiana aid is merit-based, while other aid is need-based. That means your grades can matter, but so can your FAFSA® information, career plans, and where you live.
- Applying consistently gives you more chances to win. A few applications each month can turn into meaningful savings over time.
Paying for college can feel like a lot. That’s why looking for scholarships and grants should be part of your plan from the start. If you’re a Louisiana resident, there are state programs, local awards, and college-based opportunities that can make school more affordable.
The time you spend applying can pay off in a real way. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. In Louisiana, that can include merit-based awards like TOPS, need-based aid like the GO Grant, and local scholarships tied to your parish, major, or community.
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What are Louisiana scholarships?
Louisiana scholarships are financial awards that help students pay for college, career training, or other eligible postsecondary programs. They can come from the state, colleges, local foundations, employers, and community organizations.
Unlike student loans, scholarship funds don’t have to be repaid. While some scholarships focus on GPA or test scores, many scholarships for Louisiana students also consider things like:
- Louisiana residency
- Financial need
- Your major or career pathway
- Community service or leadership
- Parish or regional ties
- Workforce or technical training goals
Because eligibility varies so much, there are usually options for recent high school graduates, adult learners, and current college students alike.
What scholarships are available for Louisiana students?
The answer usually includes a mix of state programs, college scholarships, and local awards. The best approach is to apply across all three categories instead of relying on just one source.
You can also use Scholly Scholarships to look for Louisiana scholarships that match your background, goals, and interests, including awards that are easier to apply for or have broader eligibility.
TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students)
TOPS is one of the best-known scholarship programs in the state. It’s a merit-based program for eligible Louisiana residents attending approved public colleges, Louisiana Community and Technical College System schools, approved proprietary and cosmetology schools, and certain eligible private institutions.
Parish and community foundation scholarships
Louisiana students should also look beyond statewide aid. Parish foundations, local nonprofits, civic groups, and regional employers often sponsor scholarships with smaller applicant pools. These awards may be tied to your hometown, high school, community involvement, or intended field of study. They can be less competitive than larger statewide programs, which makes them worth applying for early.
Local and community scholarships in Louisiana
Local scholarships can be one of the most practical places to start because the applicant pool is often smaller. In Louisiana, that may mean awards from parish education foundations, local businesses, community foundations, Rotary clubs, churches, and professional associations.
- Parish education foundations
- Local employers and small businesses
- Community foundations
- Civic and service organizations
- Faith-based groups and professional associations
Institutional and university-specific scholarships
Colleges in Louisiana often award scholarships separately from state aid. Some schools consider you automatically after admission, while others require a separate scholarship application. At schools like Lousisana State University, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Tulane University, institutional aid may be based on academics, financial need, talent, leadership, or your intended major. Community colleges and technical colleges may also offer foundation scholarships and program-based awards.
Additional financial aid resources
Louisiana GO Grant
The Louisiana GO Grant is a need-based state grant program that supports low- to moderate-income and nontraditional students who need additional help paying for college. Because this is a grant rather than a scholarship, it fits best under additional financial aid resources, and many students will need Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) information to be considered.
M.J. Foster Promise Program
The M.J. Foster Promise Program provides financial assistance for eligible students enrolled in qualified programs at two-year public colleges, universities, or approved proprietary schools in high-demand, high-wage fields aligned with Louisiana workforce needs. This program can be especially useful for adult learners and career-focused students who want a shorter-term credential tied to Louisiana jobs.
Scholly Scholarships
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Find scholarships that are right for you
Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.
Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
How to apply for Louisiana scholarships
- Pull together key documents early, such as your transcript, activity list, resume, and a basic personal statement.
- Make a list of scholarships that fit your background, major, and goals, focusing on both statewide and local programs.
- Work through a few applications at a time so the process stays consistent but not overwhelming.
- Submit the FAFSA® so you can be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, and other aid.
- Use a calendar, spreadsheet, or checklist to keep track of application requirements and deadlines.
- Read instructions carefully and double-check your application before you hit submit.
Looking for a faster way to get started? With Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships, you can use a single application to apply to multiple scholarships at once.
What are the eligibility requirements for Louisiana scholarships?
Each program sets its own rules, but many Louisiana scholarships share some common eligibility requirements, such as:
- Louisiana residency
- Enrollment at an eligible college or training program
- GPA or academic progress
- Completion of the FAFSA® for need-based aid.
- Your major, career field, or training program
- Community service, leadership, or extracurricular involvement
How do I improve my chances of winning a scholarship?
- Apply to both big and small awards.
Smaller local scholarships can be easier to win, and several smaller awards can still make a real difference. - Tailor your essay to the scholarship.
Reusing your core story is fine, but you should still connect it clearly to the mission of each award. - File the FAFSA® early.
Need-based Louisiana aid may depend on FAFSA® results, so getting that done early gives you more options. For step-by-step help, check our FAFSA® guide. - Check parish and local sources.
Community-based awards are often overlooked, even though they can be a strong fit for local students. - Look at your college’s scholarship page too.
State aid matters, but school-based aid can fill important gaps.
More scholarship resources
Louisiana students can use these resources to find scholarships that align with their major, experiences, and long-term plans.
- Scholarships by major
See scholarship options connected to your intended field of study. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Ideal if you are planning for college during your senior year of high school. - Scholarships for college students
Scholarship opportunities continue after freshman year — explore options for current undergraduates. - Scholarships for first-generation students
If you are the first in your family to attend college, these awards are designed with you in mind. - Scholarships for adults and returning learners
Find support if you are going back to school later in life or finishing a degree. - Scholarships for women
Explore scholarships that support women across a variety of majors and career paths. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Discover scholarships that support students who identify as LGBTQ+ . - STEM scholarships
Funding options for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees. - Scholarships for graduate students
Learn about scholarships that can help reduce the cost of master’s, PhD, or professional programs. - Scholarships for minority students
Scholarship programs supporting students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. - Scholarships for Native American students
Opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.
Your next steps
Louisiana scholarships can come from more than one place, and stacking different types of awards can help you reduce your education costs by a lot. A strong plan usually includes state aid, college-based awards, and local scholarships from your parish or community.
To keep momentum going, enter quick-apply options like Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships, and the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. These are easy ways to keep applying while you work through Louisiana deadlines and campus forms.
FAQs about Louisiana scholarships
What scholarships are available for Louisiana students?
Louisiana students can look at state programs like TOPS, local and parish scholarships, institutional scholarships from Louisiana colleges, and additional aid programs like the GO Grant and M.J. Foster Promise Program.
What is the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) in Louisiana?
TOPS is a state merit-based scholarship program for Louisiana residents attending approved colleges and schools in the state. It has multiple award levels and is one of the best-known state aid options in Louisiana.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Louisiana GO Grant?
The GO Grant is a need-based program for Louisiana residents attending eligible institutions. It supports low- to moderate-income and nontraditional students who need additional financial help.
Which Louisiana scholarships support STEM majors?
Some STEM students may qualify for college-based departmental scholarships, parish foundation awards, and broader merit scholarships like TOPS if they meet the academic requirements. You should also check school-specific scholarship pages for STEM departments.
Do Louisiana scholarships require FAFSA®?
Many need-based programs do, including the GO Grant. Filing the FAFSA® is also a smart move for students pursuing merit aid because it can open the door to grants and other school-based support.
Do Louisiana colleges offer their own scholarships?
Yes. Schools such as LSU, Tulane University, and UL Lafayette may offer merit, need-based, departmental, and foundation scholarships through their own admissions or financial aid processes.
Are there easy or no-essay scholarships for Louisiana students?
Yes. In addition to Louisiana-specific options, you can look at broader platforms such as Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships and no essay scholarships to find simpler applications.
Can adult learners in Louisiana get state aid?
Yes. The M.J. Foster Promise Program is designed for eligible students in qualified high-demand programs, making it especially relevant for adult learners and workforce-focused students.
Are parish scholarships worth applying for?
Yes. Parish and community scholarships often have smaller applicant pools, which can improve your odds.
Can TOPS be used at private colleges in Louisiana?
Yes. TOPS can be used at eligible private institutions in Louisiana, along with approved public and technical schools.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.