§18-22D-1. Legislative purpose.

The Legislature finds that the percentage of the population in this state attending college is substantially lower than the national average; that higher education in this age of advanced technology is a key element in the efforts to invigorate and develop the economy of our state; that opportunities for students attending a college or university in this state are diminished because of limited access to programs of financial assistance; and that the cost of attending college has dramatically increased and has become a great burden upon family budgets.

It is therefore the policy of the Legislature to establish a state higher education student assistance loan program to guarantee that deserving residents of this state have the opportunity to continue their education at an approved institution of higher education of their choice in this state.