20 U.S.C. § 1128

(a) Selection criteria The Secretary shall make excellence the criterion for selection of grants awarded under section 1122 of this title . (b) Equitable distribution To the extent practicable and consistent with the criterion of excellence, the Secretary shall award grants under this part (other than section 1122 of this title ) in such a manner as will achieve an equitable distribution of funds throughout the United States. (c) Support for undergraduate education The Secretary shall also award grants under this part in such manner as to ensure that an appropriate portion of the funds appropriated for this part (as determined by the Secretary) are used to support undergraduate education.