A tuition grant may be made annually for the fall, spring, and summer semesters or the trimester equivalent. Payments under the grant shall be allocated equally among the semesters or trimesters and shall be paid at the beginning of each semester or trimester upon certification by the accredited private institution that the student is admitted and in attendance. If the student discontinues attendance before the end of any semester or trimester after receiving payment under the grant, the entire amount of any refund due that student, up to the amount of any payments made under the annual grant, shall be paid by the accredited private institution to the state.