The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Agency." The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

"Annual tuition rate." The in-State tuition rate, including a technology tuition fee, established or approved by May 1 of each year by the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education.

"Approved institution of higher learning." An educational institution offering a post-secondary program of education located in this Commonwealth and approved by the agency.

"Approved program of education." A degree-granting or certificate-granting curriculum, course of study or training program required for entrance into a specific career to be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis or its equivalent as determined by the agency, at an approved institution of higher learning.

"Certificate of eligibility." A certificate issued by the department that certifies a member's eligibility to receive an educational assistance grant.

"Combat zone." (Deleted by amendment).

"Costs of attendance." Allowable educational expenses, as determined by the agency, that are consistent with the administration of the act of January 25, 1966 (1965 P.L.1546, No.541), referred to as the Higher Education Scholarship Law.

"Department." (Deleted by amendment).

"Educational assistance." A benefit earned which shall be granted to an eligible member who has complied with all of the requirements provided for under this subchapter.

"Eligible member." A member of the Pennsylvania National Guard who meets the criteria specified in section 3202 (relating to eligibility) and who has been awarded a certificate of eligibility under section 3203 (relating to certification of eligibility).

"Full-time student." An eligible member enrolled in an approved institution of higher learning pursuing an approved program of education equal to or greater than 12 credit hours per semester or its equivalent that is recognized by the agency as a full-time course of study.

"Fund." The Educational Assistance Program Fund.

"Part-time student." An eligible member enrolled in an approved institution of higher education pursuing an approved program of education of less than 12 credit hours per semester or its equivalent that is recognized by the agency as a part-time course of study.

"Program." The Educational Assistance Program.

"Promissory note." A written contract signed by a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard in which the member promises to repay the awarded grant amount.

"Qualified resident." (Deleted by amendment).

"Technology tuition fee." A separate tuition fee established by the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education for rendering technology resources and services to enhance student learning experiences.

(May 10, 2000, P.L.36, No.11, eff. July 1, 2000; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1671, No.212, eff. 60 days; Dec. 22, 2005, P.L.441, No.82, eff. 60 days; June 26, 2014, P.L.791, No.78, eff. July 1, 2014; June 26, 2014, P.L.807, No.82, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2019, P.L.233, No.32, eff. imd.)