Tuition Equalization Grants at Private Colleges and Universities; definition of approved school; revise

College grant access has school limits

The law sets which Georgia proprietary, or for-profit, colleges qualify for tuition equalization grant funds. Schools must be based and incorporated in Georgia, offer bachelor's degrees, and have met all requirements by January 1, 2021. They must also have been located in Georgia on or before that date. They must hold Level VI accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Regular admission requires a high school diploma, state-approved high school equivalency diploma, or degree from an accredited college. Students must be eligible for federal Pell Grants. The Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission must approve the school to operate and receive grant funds. Approval criteria cover courses, teaching quality, student placement rates, research and libraries, faculty, support staff, finances, campuses, facilities, equipment, and support resources. Bible schools and colleges, and graduate theology or divinity schools, do not qualify. The law does not set grant amounts or change individual student eligibility rules.