116-209.54. Eligibility.

(a) Active members of the North Carolina National Guard who are enrolled or who shall enroll in any proprietary school, private educational institution, or State educational institution shall be eligible to apply for this tuition assistance benefit: Provided, that the applicant has a minimum obligation of two years remaining as a member of the North Carolina National Guard from the end of the academic period for which tuition assistance is provided or that the applicant commit himself or herself to extended membership for at least two additional years from the end of that academic period.

(b) This tuition assistance benefit shall be applicable to students in the following categories:

(1) Students seeking to achieve completion of their secondary school education at a community college or technical institute.

(2) Students seeking trade or vocational training or education.

(3) Students seeking to achieve a two-year associate degree.

(4) Students seeking to achieve a four-year baccalaureate degree.

(5) Students seeking to achieve a graduate degree.

(6) Students enrolled in a program granting a graduate certificate.

(7) Students enrolled in a professional certification program recommended by the Director of the North Carolina National Guard Education and Employment Center and approved by the North Carolina National Guard Education Services Officer.

(c) The following persons shall be eligible to apply for disbursements to pay outstanding student loans pursuant to G.S. 116-209.55(g):

(1) Persons described in subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

(2) Active members of the North Carolina National Guard who were previously enrolled in any proprietary school, private educational institution, or State educational institution, but only if:

a. The applicant has a minimum obligation of two years remaining as a member of the North Carolina National Guard from the time of the application; or

b. The applicant commits himself or herself to extended membership for at least two additional years from the time of the application.