§18-22D-3. Certification of eligibility; information as to other financial assistance; approval of maximum loan amount.

(a) The board of regents shall have full authority to administer the program in accordance with the provisions of this article. In furtherance of such administration, the board shall approve institutions of higher education in this state for participation in the loan program, establish guidelines for use by such institutions in determining which applicants are eligible students and in calculating the maximum loan amounts, and develop a uniform eligibility certification and maximum loan amount form to be used by the applicant and the approved institution of higher education in determining and certifying eligibility and maximum loan amounts. The board shall further provide information as to the federal guaranteed student loan program and other financial assistance which may be available to the applicant, which information shall be conveyed to such applicants by the approved institution of higher education.

(b) Upon receipt of an applicant's certification form, the approved institution of higher education shall review such form, certify any student who meets the eligibility guidelines promulgated by the board and indicate on such form the maximum loan amount which may be received by the applicant pursuant to this article. The institution shall calculate such amount with consideration to any other financial assistance which is or will be received by the applicant and shall assist such applicant in receiving such other financial assistance. In no case shall the annual loan amount to an eligible student exceed $6,000 for undergraduate study or $10,000 for graduate or professional study, and the eligible student shall receive not more than five such loans for undergraduate study and three such loans for graduate or professional study. Any applicant who is not certified as eligible shall be notified in writing as to the reasons for which certification was not granted.

(c) Any applicant who is denied eligibility certification or has a maximum loan amount approved which is less than the applicant reasonably believes is required for attendance at the approved institution of higher education may request in writing to the board a hearing on any such matter. The board may conduct such hearing or may respond in writing as to the reasons such hearing is denied. Any decision by the board regarding eligibility or maximum loan amount shall be final.