Pennsylvania Statutes Title 24 P.S. Education § 20-2001-L. Definitions

The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Agency.” The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

“Board.” The State Board of Higher Education established under section 2010-L.  1

“Community college.”An institution created under Article XIX-A  2 or the act of August 24, 1963 (P.L. 1132, No. 484),  3 known as the Community College Act of 1963.

“Council.” The Performance-based Funding Council established under Subarticle C.  4

“Department.” The Department of Education of the Commonwealth.

“Financial aid.”Funding to help a student pay for postsecondary education, including grants, work study, loans and scholarships.

“High-priority occupation.”An occupation identified by the Department of Labor and Industry under the act of December 18, 2001 (P.L. 949, No. 114),  5 known as the Workforce Development Act.

“Higher Education Scholarship Law.”The act of January 25, 1966 (1965 P.L. 1546, No. 541),  6 referred to as the Higher Education Scholarship Law.

“Independent institution of higher education.”An institution of higher education which is operated not for profit, located in and incorporated or chartered by the Commonwealth and entitled to confer degrees as specified in 24 Pa.C.S. § 6505 (relating to power to confer degrees) and to apply to itself the designation “college” or “university” as provided for by the standards and qualifications prescribed by the State Board of Education under 24 Pa.C.S. Ch. 65 (relating to private colleges, universities and seminaries).

“Institution of higher education.”As defined in section 1501-L.  7

“Institutional aid.”Financial aid offered to an eligible student directly by an institution of higher education, including merit aid, gift aid and athletic awards.

“Pell Grant.”The Federal Pell Grant or any successor program.

“Pennsylvania State grant.”A grant or scholarship awarded under the Higher Education Scholarship Law.

“Private scholarship.”Financial aid awards funded by entities other than the Federal or State Government, including awards by companies, service groups, foundations, organizations and individuals.

“Public institution of higher education.”A State-owned university, community college or State-related university.

“State-owned university.”An institution which is part of the State System of Higher Education under Article XX-A.  8

“State-related university.”The Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University and Lincoln University.

“System.” The State System of Higher Education established under Article XX-A.