Amends the definition of “eligible private postsecondary institution” in GS 116-280(3), as it applies to need‑based scholarships for students attending private institutions of higher education, to add another type of institution in a1., a postsecondary institution with a permanent campus in the state that isn’t owned or operated by the state or a subdivision of the state, and that is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and awards a postsecondary degree. Adds new subdivision (4a) in that statute to define “permanent campus” as a campus owned by the eligible private postsecondary institution that provides permanent classrooms with full-time faculty members.

Amends GS 116-209.100(1)c. by amending the definition of eligible postsecondary institution as it applies to the Early Graduate Scholarship Program, to eliminate “nonprofit” and replace it with “An eligible private” postsecondary institution, as defined in the amended GS 116-280(3).

Applicable to scholarships beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year.