§ 6-82-1702 - Definitions.
6-82-1702. Definitions.
As used in this subchapter:
(1) (A) "Approved institution" means a public or private institution of higher education located in Arkansas that:
(i) Is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; or
(ii) Certifies to the Department of Higher Education that its students are accepted for transfer at institutions accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
(B) "Approved institution" does not include an institution of higher education that discriminates against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin consistent with the provisions of applicable state and federal law;
(2) "Eligible student" means a student who meets the criteria set out by this subchapter and is deemed to be eligible by rules authorized by this subchapter and promulgated by the Department of Higher Education;
(3) "Financial need" means the family income of program applicants as determined by the Department of Higher Education through evaluation of program applications and supporting documentation;
(4) "Full-time undergraduate student" means a resident of Arkansas who attends an approved institution of higher education and is enrolled in at least twelve (12) credit hours or the equivalent the first semester and fifteen (15) credit hours or the equivalent thereafter, as defined by rule of the Department of Higher Education, in a program of study that leads to or is creditable toward an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree;
(5) "High school graduate equivalent" means a student who passes the General Educational Development Test in Arkansas;
(6) "Part-time undergraduate student" means a resident of Arkansas who attends an approved institution of higher education and is enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours per semester or the equivalent but no more than twelve (12) credit hours or the equivalent the first semester and fifteen (15) credit hours or the equivalent thereafter, as defined by rule of the Department of Higher Education, in a program of study that leads to or is creditable towards an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree; and
(7) "Qualified certificate program" means a program that is:
(A) Offered by an approved institution of higher education;
(B) Shorter in duration than an associate degree for which credit hours are awarded that are creditable towards an associate degree; and
(C) Recognized by the United States Department of Education for financial aid purposes.