(a) To be eligible for a teacher education loan, a student must
(1) be a graduate of a public or private high school in the state, with sufficient credits to be admitted to an accredited college or university;
(2) be enrolled in or show evidence of intent to enroll in a degree program directed at a teaching career at the elementary or secondary school level;
(3) meet the conditions set by the student's local school board with respect to the district's requirements for teachers in particular subject areas;
(4) submit to the local school board an application provided by the commission under AS 14.43.630(a)(2); an application may be submitted six months before graduation from high school; and
(5) not have a past due child support obligation established by court order or by the child support services agency under AS 25.27.160 - 25.27.220 at the time of application.
(b) A local school board shall award teacher education loans giving a preference to applicants from rural schools who meet the qualifications for a loan and taking into account the applicants' academic records.
(c) A student may not be awarded a teacher education loan under AS 14.43.600 - 14.43.700 if the student receives a loan under AS 14.43.170 - 14.43.175 for the same period of attendance.