(a) Subject to the sum appropriated by the General Assembly for an academic year to be awarded as scholarships under this Article, a scholarship awarded under this Article to a student at an eligible private postsecondary institution shall be determined annually by the Authority based upon the enrollment status and expected family contribution of the student, consistent with the methodology for the federal Title IV programs.

(b) The Authority shall have the power to determine the actual scholarship amounts disbursed to students in any given year based on the sum appropriated for purposes of this Article by the General Assembly for that academic year and any unexpended funds that may be available pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 116-283

(c) The minimum award of a scholarship under this Article shall be five hundred dollars ($500.00). (2011-145, s. 9.18(a).)