TOPS: Adds the Excellence award level for students who score 31 or higher on the ACT and allows award qualification based on the Classic Learning Test (EN +$3,012,092 SG EX See Note)

A new award category is created for students who achieve an ACT score of 31 or above, expanding the program's support to high-achieving students.

Award amounts for all existing TOPS levels (Opportunity, Performance, Honors, and Excellence) are increased for students enrolling as first-time freshmen in the 2025-2026 academic year or later.

The definition of 'tuition' for award calculation purposes is updated to reflect resident tuition and fees as reported in the Board of Regents annual survey for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond.

The bill establishes a new timeline for award amounts, distinguishing between students enrolling prior to the 2025-2026 academic year and those enrolling during or after that year.

Created a new 'Excellence Award' tier for students who score 31 or higher on the ACT.

Allowed students to apply unused award funds toward medical or dental school degrees.

Established specific state funding amounts for books, materials, and other educational expenses for students receiving Opportunity, Performance, Honors, and Excellence awards.

Added provisions allowing students who complete an undergraduate degree in less than eight semesters to use remaining award benefits for postgraduate academic degrees.

Updated the list of bill sponsors to include additional representatives and senators in the enrolled version.

Introduced a new 'Excellence' award level for students achieving a score of 31 or higher on the ACT.

Allowed students to qualify for TOPS awards using scores from the Classic Learning Test instead of the ACT.

Revised the initial academic eligibility requirements for the TOPS-Tech award.

Permitted students to apply unused award amounts toward tuition at medical or dental schools under specific circumstances.

Updated the rules regarding how students who complete their undergraduate degree early may use remaining award benefits for postgraduate academic degrees.

A new 'Excellence' award level was created for students who achieve an ACT score of 31 or higher.

Initial academic eligibility requirements for the TOPS-Tech award were revised to allow qualification based on the attainment of certain early college credits.

The definition of 'tuition' for program purposes was clarified to specify resident tuition and fees as reported in the Board of Regents annual survey.

Award benefits are now extended to students who successfully complete an academic undergraduate degree in fewer than eight semesters, allowing them to receive remaining benefits to finish their degree.