§ 116-209.90.  Tuition grants for graduates to attend a constituent institution.

(a) Within the funds available, an eligible graduate in each school year who meets the following conditions shall qualify for a tuition grant awarded under this Part:

(1) Is a resident for tuition purposes under the criteria set forth in G.S. 116-143.1 and in accordance with the coordinated and centralized residency determination process administered by the Authority.

(2) Enrolls as a full-time student in a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina in the next academic year after graduation. The Authority shall have the discretion to postpone this requirement for up to one academic year after graduation if the student is able to demonstrate that any of the following have substantially disrupted or interrupted the student's ability to enroll as a full-time student:

a. A military service obligation.

b. Serious medical debilitation.

c. A short-term or long-term disability.

d. Other extraordinary hardship.

(3) Submits a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

(b) Students who receive initial tuition grants as a cohort of a high school graduating class of NCSSM or UNCSA shall also be eligible to apply for tuition grants for subsequent academic terms for up to a total of eight academic terms, provided that tuition grants are only used for undergraduate tuition.

(b1) A student must be continuously enrolled in an undergraduate program at a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina after the award of the initial tuition grant to be eligible for tuition grants in subsequent academic terms. The Authority shall have the discretion to waive this requirement if the student is able to demonstrate that any of the following have substantially disrupted or interrupted the student's pursuit of a degree:

(1) A military service obligation.

(2) Serious medical debilitation.

(3) A short-term or long-term disability.

(4) Other extraordinary hardship.

(c) The amount of the tuition grant to each graduate shall be determined and distributed as provided in G.S. 116-209.91. (2021-180, s. 8A.1(a); 2022-74, s. 8A.2(a); 2023-102, s. 3(a); 2023-134, ss. 8A.3(a), (b).)