Cost of attendance: includes tuition, costs payable to the eligible institution, and other direct educational expenses related to taking an online course. See Utah Code 53B-13c-101
Eligible institution: means an institution that offers a postsecondary level course of instruction using digital technology. See Utah Code 53B-13c-101
Eligible student: means a financially needy student who is:
(a)
at least 26 years old;
(b)
enrolled in an online course at an eligible institution;
(c)
pursuing:
(i)
an online postsecondary degree program in a field where there is a demonstrated industry need; or
(ii)
an online non-degree program that is designed to meet industry needs and leads to a certificate or another recognized educational credential; and
a Utah private, nonprofit postsecondary institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting organization that the board recognizes. See Utah Code 53B-13c-101
Process: means a writ or summons issued in the course of a judicial proceeding. See Utah Code 68-3-12.5
how an individual establishes financial need for purposes of receiving a grant under the program;
(ii)
a requirement that an applicant complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid;
(iii)
how to determine whether an individual is a Utah resident;
(iv)
a process and requirements for an individual to apply for a grant under the program;
(v)
a formula to allocate money appropriated for the program to eligible students, prioritizing:
(A)
students from rural areas;
(B)
minority students;
(C)
low income students;
(D)
first generation students; and
(E)
students pursuing education that aligns with industry needs; and
(vi)
a method of identifying industry needs for purposes of determining student eligibility to receive a grant under this section.
(c)
The board may not use more than 3% of money appropriated for the program for administrative costs or overhead.
(3)
To be eligible for a grant under this section, a student shall demonstrate, in accordance with rules the board makes under Subsection (2)(b):
(a)
that the student has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; and
(b)
that the student is financially needy.
(4)
The board shall:
(a)
annually establish the minimum and maximum amount for a grant;
(b)
(i)
award grants to eligible students on an annual basis; and
(ii)
distribute grant money on a quarter or semester basis; and
(c)
except as provided in Subsection (2)(b)(v), award all money appropriated for the program without regard to an applicant’s race, creed, color, religion, sex, or ancestry.
(5)
The total sum of program grant money, financial aid from any source, and family or personal contribution may not exceed the cost of attendance for an eligible student at an eligible institution for a fiscal year.
(6)
An eligible student that receives a grant under the program shall apply the grant money to the cost of attendance.
(7)
The board shall annually report program outcomes to the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, including:
(a)
number of grant recipients at each eligible institution;
(b)
average amount of grant money provided per grant recipient;
(c)
benefits in fulfillment of the purposes for the program described in this chapter; and
(d)
recommendations for program modification, including recommended funding levels.
