While state lawmakers grapple with the budget deficit – parents and students are struggling to figure out how to pay for college.  The Director of Public Information for the state’s Office of Student Financial Assistance which manages TOPS says there are a number of proposals, however his office is not aware of the passage of any that relates to tops. Local school administrators say they too have yet to receive any official word on changes.

“Nothing is official, everything is still pending and we’re waiting to hear the final word.”

Pauline Dulplantis is the Coordinator of Student Services for Lafayette Parish. Duplantis says the district has other alternatives to tops that students should at least consider.

“so just because tops is on the table that doesn’t mean a child can not get some financial assistance..”

Duplantis encourages students to explore those other options. The school district has a list of scholarships from general to university offerings on its website.

“there’s a variety, some are based upon your interest. if you are interested in nursing you can go to that specific website.”

She also talks about students being required to have higher ACT scores for TOPS funding, remember again that’s not official until the Governor gives the okay.

For KLFY News Ten, Im Renee Allen.