Section 2736.20  Applicant Eligibility

a)         A qualified applicant shall be:

1)         a citizen or eligible noncitizen;

2)         a resident of Illinois;

3)         an undergraduate student;

4)         officially classified by the institution as a freshman;

5)         enrolled at an ISAC-approved institution of higher learning;

6)         enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program (see 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2735.20(a)(4));

7)         enrolled on at least a half-time basis throughout the institution's tuition refund/withdrawal adjustment period;

8)         making satisfactory academic progress as determined by the institution; and

9)         with limited personal or family financial resources available for expenditure toward educational expenses, as defined by current federal student financial aid methodology (i.e., an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $500 or less).

b)         A qualified applicant shall not have previously received a baccalaureate degree.

c)         Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, in calculating an applicant's class level standing for purposes of determining eligibility to receive benefits under this program, an institution shall exclude credit hours earned by the applicant through Advanced Placement or other similar proficiency exams.

(Source:  Amended at 28 Ill. Reg. 9147, effective July 1, 2004)