283—9.4 (261) Awarding of funds.
	 9.4(1) Selection criteria. All applicants who submit FAFSAs and program applications will be considered for funding.
	 9.4(2) Priority for grants. Awards will first be made to returning students who submit renewal applications by the application deadline. After all on-time renewals have been funded, awards will be made to new students and renewal students based on the application receipt date.
When all funds have been committed, applicants not awarded grants who meet the eligibility requirements will be placed on a waiting list. Applicants on the waiting list will be awarded grants if funds become available based on the date the completed application was received. In the event multiple applications are received on the same date, preference will be given as follows:
	  a.   	 Applicants who were placed in the state training school or the Iowa juvenile home pursuant to a court order under Iowa Code chapter 232 under the care and custody of the department of human services.
	  b.   	 Applicants who aged out of foster care.
	 (1) 	 In the event there are multiple applicants who aged out of care, preference will be given to the applicant closest to the age of 24.
	 (2) 	 In the event multiple applicants have the same birthday, preference will be given to the applicant with the highest financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
	  c.   	 Applicants who were adopted.
	 (1) 	 In the event there are multiple adopted applicants, preference will be given to the applicant closest to the age of 24.
	 (2) 	 In the event multiple applicants have the same birthday, preference will be given to the applicant with the highest financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
	  d.   	 Applicants, regardless of foster care placement, who received awards previously but withdrew from school.
	 (1) 	 In the event there are multiple applicants, preference will be given to the applicant closest to the age of 24.
	 (2) 	 In the event multiple applicants have the same birthday, preference will be given to the applicant with the highest financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
	 9.4(3) Award notification. The commission will notify all recipients and the colleges or universities they attend in writing of the amount of their awards. Ineligible applicants, or applicants who are on the waiting list, will be notified in writing of their ineligibility or waiting-list status. The commission will coordinate all financial aid received by recipients to ensure compliance with student eligibility requirements and allowable award amounts.
	 9.4(4) Award transfers and adjustments. Recipients are responsible for promptly notifying the appropriate college or university of any change in enrollment or financial situation. The college or university will make necessary changes and notify the commission.
	 9.4(5) Academic-year awards. All Iowa opportunity foster care grants are provided during the traditional nine-month academic year, which is generally defined as September through May. Awards shall not exceed the full cost of attendance as determined by the college or university minus other federal, state, or college or university financial aid provided to the student.
	 9.4(6) Renewal. Applicants must complete and file annual applications for the all Iowa opportunity foster care grant program by the deadline established by the commission. If funds remain available after the application deadline, the commission will continue to accept applications. To be eligible for renewal, a recipient must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the eligible college or university.