38 U.S.C. § 7904

In awarding financial assistance under this chapter, the Secretary shall give a preference to qualified individuals who are otherwise eligible to receive the financial assistance in the following order of priority: (1) Veterans with service-connected disabilities. (2) Veterans. (3) Persons described in section 4215(a)(1)(B) of this title . (4) Individuals who received or are pursuing degrees at institutions designated by the National Security Agency as Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Education. (5) Citizens of the United States.