In an unprecedented move, the state’s student financial aid office on Thursday notified Louisiana’s colleges and universities that it had stopped TOPS payments because of the uncertainty related to the state budget crisis.
"Due to the possibility of state budget cuts, all TOPS payments are being suspended until further notice," said an email from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance that went out to all TOPS eligible institutions at 3 p.m. "More details will be provided as information becomes available."
However, Gov. John Bel Edwards said Thursday night that none of the 49,710 students who are TOPS recipients will have to cover the cost of their scholarships. While about 20 percent of the TOPS scholarships will not be paid, the governor said it will be the universities and colleges that will absorb the loss.
Read more at The Advocate: http://theadvocate.com/news/education/14849227-123/state-halts-tops-payments-to-colleges-universities-in-face-of-budget-crisis