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 .
((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.