Consideration of applications and granting of loans

The Department shall receive and consider all applications for loans made by students who have been legal residents of South Carolina for a period of at least one year immediately preceding their application who desire to become physicians or dentists and who are acceptable for enrollment in any accredited medical school or dental school within the United States and which is approved by the Department. The Department shall make a careful and full investigation of the ability, character, financial needs, and qualifications of each applicant to determine his fitness to become the recipient of each loan. The Department may examine each applicant to assist in determining if he is so qualified. The Department shall consider, during the selection process, the intent of the applicant to practice medicine or dentistry in a predominantly rural area. The Department may grant to each applicant, considered by the Department to be qualified to receive the loan, a loan as herein provided for the purpose of acquiring a medical or dental education upon terms and conditions imposed by the Department pursuant to applicable provisions of this article.