I. The commission shall determine all scholarship awards in a fair and equitable manner to eligible residents of this state who have satisfactorily met the minimum qualifications established by the commission. Scholarships shall be granted on the basis of merit and need.
   II. All scholarships awarded by the commission under this subdivision shall be for the period of one academic year and in specified amounts of not less than $100 per academic year within the limits established by the commission.
   III. No scholarship shall be in excess of the tuition assessed to the student for the academic period in which the scholarship is received.
   IV. No person to whom a scholarship is awarded shall be restricted as to the choice of institutions or programs within the state provided the institution selected by the student is an eligible educational institution. Scholarships may be used at public or private institutions by full-time or part-time students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate level programs.
Source. 1999, 328:1, eff. Oct. 14, 1999.