(a) All blind persons of suitable character and capacity between the ages of three (3) and twenty-one (21) years, residing in the state shall be entitled to the benefits of the school free of charge.
(b) Pupils from outside the state may be admitted to the privileges of the institution upon the payment of such sums as the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas School for the Blind may consider sufficient to defray expenses.
(c) If, in the opinion of the board of trustees, any blind person above the age of twenty-one (21) years may be benefited by being received into the institution for a limited time to learn a trade or receive instruction, they may, by unanimous vote, and with approval of the Superintendent of the Arkansas School for the Blind, admit such person.