Liana R. Woskie

Three bills that would make it harder for students to earn and keep TOPS scholarships advanced from the House Education Committee Thursday. Supporters stressed the need to reform the program in order to reduce costs and avoid cuts in the upcoming fiscal year.

Number of the Day

$25,000 - The annual household income cap for students applying for the original need-based TOPS scholarships, as the program was designed by Patrick Taylor. Today, fewer than 15 percent of students come from the low-income families who earn below $25,000.  (Source: The Advocate)