Education; tuition equalization grants; expand definition of an approved school to include certain institutions which offer programs in nursing

More tuition grant access for nursing students

The law expands Georgia tuition equalization grants to students in approved nursing bachelor's programs at private, for-profit Georgia colleges. Only those nursing programs qualify through this expansion. Colleges must have accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or the Higher Learning Commission, plus the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Their four-year average National Council Licensure Examination pass rate must be at least 80%. At least one instructional campus must have been physically in Georgia for 10 years as of June 30, 2025. Colleges must admit regular students only with a high school diploma, state-approved equivalency diploma, or degree from an accredited college. Their students must be eligible for federal Pell Grants, and the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission must approve operation and grant funding. Bible schools and colleges, and graduate theology or divinity schools and colleges, are excluded. This approval alone does not establish eligibility for Dual Enrollment, HOPE, or other scholarship, loan, or grant programs under the same law.