Financial Aid in Louisiana (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, Louisiana's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
Louisiana FAFSA deadline for state aid
July 1, 2027 (filing by February 1, 2026 is recommended).
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
Louisiana grant programs
TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students)
Merit award covering tuition at Louisiana public colleges for residents meeting GPA and test-score requirements.
GO Grant
Need-based supplement for Pell-eligible Louisiana students.
Administered by Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for Louisiana students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches Louisianastudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in Louisiana?
For 2026–27 state aid: July 1, 2027 (filing by February 1, 2026 is recommended). The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does Louisiana offer?
TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students): Merit award covering tuition at Louisiana public colleges for residents meeting GPA and test-score requirements. GO Grant: Need-based supplement for Pell-eligible Louisiana students. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a Louisiana resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in Louisiana?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.