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

“Agency.” The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

“Approved institution of higher learning.” An educational institution offering a postsecondary program of education located in this Commonwealth and approved by the agency.

“Benefit.” The program grant which shall be given to an eligible member's military college or approved institution of higher learning who meets all of the requirements provided for under this subchapter.

“Cadet.” A military trainee enrolled in a military college.

“Early Commissioning Program.” The United States Army ROTC program that allows a graduate of a military junior college to become a commissioned officer in two years in the reserve or National Guard components.

“Eligible member.” A full-time student who is a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, is selected as a cadet, serves as a Simultaneous Membership Program cadet in the Pennsylvania National Guard and accepts a Pennsylvania National Guard commission upon graduation from the military college.

“Full-time student.” An eligible member enrolled in an approved institution of higher learning pursuing an approved degree-producing program of education equal to or greater than 12 credit hours per semester or its equivalent that is recognized by the agency as a full-time course of study.

“Military college.” The Valley Forge Military College of Pennsylvania.

“Military college tuition.” The cost of attendance established annually by the college administration, including tuition and uniforms. The term does not include room, board or books.

“Program.” The Military College Educational Assistance Program established under section 3222 (relating to Military College Educational Assistance Program).

“Simultaneous Membership Program.” The Simultaneous Membership Program in which a reserve officer trainee assigned to a Pennsylvania Army National Guard unit participates simultaneously as a contracted cadet in the ROTC Advanced Course or Military Science I, II, III and IV levels of military instruction taught at a university or college in accordance with Cadet Command Regulation 145-11 (relating to Reserve Officers' Training Corps Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)) in effect on the effective date of this section.