M. J. Foster Program
Note: This information was derived from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) M.J. Foster Promise Program webpage in November 2026. Eligibility requirements, award amounts, and approved programs can change. For the most up-to-date information, visit LOSFA’s M.J. Foster page.
If you are 21 or older and ready to train for a high-demand career, Louisiana’s M.J. Foster Promise Program may help pay for it. ITI Technical College in Baton Rouge is on the state’s list of approved schools for the program. Here is what it covers, who qualifies, and how to apply.
What Is The M.J. Foster Promise Program?
The M.J. Foster Promise Program is a Louisiana state award for adults earning an associate degree or a shorter-term credential in high-demand, high-wage fields. It is named for former Louisiana Governor Mike J. Foster.
The program is administered by the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA). It can be used at two-year public colleges and at accredited proprietary schools licensed by the Louisiana Board of Regents that appear on LOSFA’s approved list, including ITI Technical College.
The award is not a loan, so you do not repay it. In exchange, you agree to live and work full time in Louisiana for at least one year after you finish your program.
What The Award Covers
| Full-time award | Up to $3,200 per award year |
| Lifetime maximum | $6,400, over up to three years |
| What it pays for | Tuition, required fees, and mandatory books and supplies |
| Who receives the money | Your school, not you |
Award amounts as listed by LOSFA in November 2026. Payments depend on available state funding and are paid on a first-come, first-billed basis, so it pays to apply early.
The award works alongside other aid, such as the Federal Pell Grant. Our Financial Aid Office can show you how M.J. Foster fits with everything else you may qualify for.
Who Qualifies
According to LOSFA, to be initially eligible you must:
- Be at least 21 years old on the date you complete the M.J. Foster Promise application
- Be a U.S. citizen and a Louisiana resident
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be co-enrolled in a program leading to a state-recognized high school credential
- Not already hold an associate degree or higher
- Have a family income at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines, or have been unemployed or underemployed for at least six months
- Not be currently incarcerated or have a conviction for a violent crime
- If you are a veteran, have an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions
- Complete the application process at ITI Technical College and enroll in an eligible program
- Complete the FAFSA if your program is eligible for federal student aid
- Agree to live and work full time in Louisiana for at least one year after completing your last funded program
Requirements can change, so check the current rules on LOSFA’s M.J. Foster page.
Eligible Programs At ITI Technical College
M.J. Foster pays for programs that lead to high-demand jobs in five industry sectors: construction, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and transportation and warehousing. The state decides which programs qualify and reviews the list at least once a year.
Not sure if your program qualifies? Our Financial Aid Office can tell you which programs at ITI Technical College are on LOSFA’s current approved list. You can also explore our programs to see what you could study.
How To Apply
- Complete the M.J. Foster Promise application. Apply on the LOSFA website. LOSFA lists June 1 as the date the application opens each year, and it covers programs starting July 1 through June 30 of the next year. Funding is limited, so do not wait.
- Apply to ITI Technical College and enroll in an eligible program. Our admissions team can help you start your application and choose a program.
- File the FAFSA. If your program is eligible for federal student aid, LOSFA requires the FAFSA. It is also how you apply for federal grants such as the Federal Pell Grant.
- Tell our Financial Aid Office. Let us know you have applied. LOSFA says it usually decides eligibility within a couple of business days and emails you, and you can check notices in your LOSFA Student Hub account. Being eligible is not the same as being paid: ITI Technical College bills LOSFA after you are enrolled, and LOSFA sends the funds to ITI Technical College.
Keeping Your Award
To keep receiving M.J. Foster, LOSFA requires you to:
- Complete the FAFSA each year if your program is eligible for federal aid
- Stay continuously enrolled and make steady academic progress
- Keep a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 in a qualified program that issues letter grades
- Stay within the limits of three years of funding and 60 credit hours
If you are thinking about dropping a class or withdrawing, talk to our Financial Aid Office first. Your award could be reduced, and you could owe a balance.
M.J. Foster And Other Ways To Pay
ITI Technical College participates in U.S. Department of Education federal student aid programs, and financial aid may be available to those who qualify.
- Federal grants and loans: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, and Direct Loans. See our Financial Aid Programs page.
- TOPS Scholarship: If you recently graduated from a Louisiana high school, you may qualify for TOPS instead. Students with a TOPS award should talk to our Financial Aid Office about how it affects M.J. Foster. Learn about the TOPS Scholarship.
- Military and veteran benefits: ITI Technical College accepts several VA education benefits. Military and veterans information.
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your cost.
M.J. Foster Promise Program FAQ
Yes. ITI Technical College in Baton Rouge is on LOSFA’s list of approved proprietary schools for the M.J. Foster Promise Program. Your program must also be on the state’s approved list. Contact our Financial Aid Office at (225) 752-4233 to confirm.
New applicants must be at least 21 years old on the date they complete the M.J. Foster Promise application, according to LOSFA.
LOSFA lists up to $3,200 per award year for a full-time student, with a lifetime maximum of $6,400 over up to three years. The award pays for tuition, required fees, and mandatory books and supplies, and it is paid to your school.
No. It is not a loan. You do agree to live and work full time in Louisiana for at least one year after completing your last funded program.
Yes. Your family income must be at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines, or you must have been unemployed or underemployed for at least six months.
LOSFA lists June 1 as the date the M.J. Foster Promise application opens each year. Payments depend on available funding and are made first-come, first-billed, so apply as early as you can.
Not if you have already earned an associate degree or higher.
Yes. ITI Technical College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and is licensed by the Louisiana Board of Regents. Learn more on our Professional Recognitions page.
Talk To Our Financial Aid Office
Our team can help you see if you qualify for M.J. Foster, apply, and build a plan to pay for school.
- Phone: (225) 752-4233
- Hours: Monday to Wednesday 9am to 8pm, Thursday 9am to 6pm, Friday 9am to 4:30pm
- Campus: 13944 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70817
Apply Now to start your application, or plan a campus visit to see our school in person.
For official rules, deadlines, and your award status, visit the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance.
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website: https://iticollege.edu/disclosures/
QUICK LINKS
Contact Info - Financial Aid
Mon -Wed 9am – 8pm
Thursday 9am-6pm
Friday 9am – 4:30pm
