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TOPS Needs To Go

Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:33 pm
Posted by MC5601
Tyler, Texas
Member since Jan 2010
3898 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:33 pm
Anybody who wonders why the education department is in a constant pickle needs to look at the TOPS plan. TOPS is costing the state untold millions and is a huge hindrance to the advancement of the university. If we want to get on an even playing field with the rest of the country academically and monetarily, TOPS needs to be eliminated.

Many of you know that the system is broken but will downvote because it works to your advantage. If you wonder why LSU is always broke and lagging behind, TOPS is the answer
This post was edited on 7/30/19 at 6:57 am
Posted by Bjorn Cyborg
Member since Sep 2016
26939 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:34 pm to
I agree. TOPS should definitely be canceled in 4 years.
Posted by High C
viewing the fall....
Member since Nov 2012
54001 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:34 pm to
Says the guy who doesn’t have any kids who are going to college in Louisiana.
Posted by jbgleason
Bailed out of BTR to God's Country
Member since Mar 2012
18928 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:37 pm to
NO. But it needs to go back to what it was supposed to be when established. An awards system to keep our best and brightest here in LA.

The problem with TOPS is that the politicians can’t fricking stand that they can’t control it and use it as a tool to get votes. TOPS was NEVER intended to be “needs” based or aimed at persons of a certain color or community. It also wasn’t meant for everyone. It is meant for very bright kids who work hard and get good grades. Regardless of their background, parents income or anything else.

This post was edited on 7/29/19 at 4:38 pm
Posted by iAmBatman
The Batcave
Member since Mar 2011
12382 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:37 pm to
quote:

If we want to get on an even playing field with the rest of the country academically and monetarily, TOPS needs to be eliminated.


how do eliminating scholarships even the playing field with the rest of the country?
Posted by yellowfin
Coastal Bar
Member since May 2006
97719 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:39 pm to
I don’t know if it needs to go away all together but the requirements to get it need to be adjusted
Posted by TigersSEC2010
Warren, Michigan
Member since Jan 2010
37373 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:40 pm to
Louisiana is the minor league team for a bunch of bigger states, Texas, Georgia, New York, and DC included. We pay for their education and then the best and brightest hit the road, never to return to Louisiana, and the entire investment is lost.

I don't blame people for leaving Louisiana. It's a complete shithole. I blame the state for creating a system that educates the workforce of every other state but Louisiana.
Posted by lsu13lsu
Member since Jan 2008
11488 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:41 pm to
Agree. I have kids and don't expect tax payers to pay for their education. There is no reason we should have this many colleges in Louisiana anyway.

At a minimum it should be a loan of some kind forgiven upon completion of school.
Posted by Sentrius
Fort Rozz
Member since Jun 2011
64757 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:42 pm to
TOPS would be a great program if Louisiana was not such a terrible state to land a high paying job that's tailored to their degrees.

TOPS is a shitty program for Louisiana as long as the state is where it is right now.
This post was edited on 7/29/19 at 4:43 pm
Posted by Bjorn Cyborg
Member since Sep 2016
26939 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:44 pm to
It can't just be ended, because the state's entire education system has been adapted to it. Scholarships to state schools are very slim now, because of TOPS.

It would have to be phased out, or ended at a future date.
Posted by Dlawnboy
Member since May 2008
720 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:45 pm to
TOPS should require folks to stay in the state for 2 years and if you don't graduate, it turns in loaned money which you have to pay back.

The excuse is used that you can't find a high paying job. You can with the right degree and tough shite - you just got free college. 2 years of a "lower" paying job is a small price to pay for free college.
This post was edited on 7/29/19 at 4:46 pm
Posted by Cold Drink
Member since Mar 2016
3482 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:46 pm to
TOPS is one of the few things Louisiana can actually brag about, and in typical Louisiana fashion half the people hate it.

If I was governor I’d make TOPS even stronger BUT add a condition you have to live/work in-state for 3-5 year or you have to pay a portion back.

So basically make it a loan you can defer and ultimately forgive if you stay in Louisiana and don’t drive your UHaul to Texas immediately upon graduation.
Posted by GetBackToWork
Member since Dec 2007
6263 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:47 pm to
quote:

TOPS Needs To Go



Posted by jimbeam
University of LSU
Member since Oct 2011
75703 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:59 pm to
It needs to work as a loan program with stipulations based on completion of degree requirements. And requirements to get it need to go up. I know. Racist.
Posted by tigeraddict
Baton Rouge
Member since Mar 2007
11829 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 5:01 pm to
TOPS was a money routing shell game. prior to tops, the state gave millions to the state colleges. after tops, the state greatly reduced the amount of money they gave, and the colleges raised tuition, which tops covered.

end the end i bet what the state gave universities prior to tops, is now about the same when you factor in tops. But now you have a "sacred cow" that will piss off voters if you take away their kids promise of "free" tuition.


Posted by andwesway
Zachary, LA
Member since Jun 2016
1523 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 5:07 pm to
TOPS needs to be a loan that's forgiven upon completion of a degree. I've seen so many morons get it, screw around and either lose it or dropout altogether.
Posted by TheCaterpillar
Member since Jan 2004
76774 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 5:08 pm to
No TOPS is a fantastic program if executed correctly.

We just need to shut down about 5 colleges in this state and require all students that use TOPS to remain in Louisiana for 4 years post grad or they have to pay it back.

Posted by LSUFanHouston
NOLA
Member since Jul 2009
37162 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 5:09 pm to
quote:

TOPS Needs To Go


I take a different angle.

If LSU is going to give AF about educating students, they need to dramatically increase the admission standards.

Most TOPS qualifiers don't need to go to LSU.

Posted by Suntiger
BR or somewhere else
Member since Feb 2007
32993 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 5:29 pm to
It needs to be tweaked IMO.

1) Payback student loans for students after they graduate (instead of as they attend)
2) pay for each year they remain domiciled in Louisiana (makes sure they stay here)
3) only subsidize up to 4 years of education,
2) students must have at least a 3.2 GPA to qualify.
Posted by SpqrTiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2004
9275 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 5:42 pm to
If you cut TOPS, I guarantee that any money saved will go straight to...

Healthcare.

That’s the Louisiana way.
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