In awarding financial assistance under this chapter, the Secretary shall give a preference to qualified individuals who are otherwise eligible to receive the financial assistance in the following order of priority:

1. (1) Veterans with service-connected disabilities.
2. (2) Veterans.
3. (3) Persons described in section 4215(a)(1)(B) of this title.
4. (4) Individuals who received or are pursuing degrees at institutions designated by the National Security Agency as Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.
5. (5) Citizens of the United States.

(Added Pub. L. 109–461, title IX, § 903(a)(1), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3463.)