; and (ii) up to 5 years if the person received at least 3 years of assistance. (c) Qualifying expenses Expenses for which financial assistance may be provided under subsection (a) are the following: (1) Tuition and fees charged by the educational institution involved. (2) The cost of books. (3) In the case of a program of education leading to a baccalaureate degree, laboratory expenses. (4) Such other expenses as the Secretary considers appropriate. (d) Limitation on amount The Secretary shall prescribe the amount of financial assistance provided to a person under subsection (a), which may not exceed the amount specified in section 2173(e)(2) of title 10, United States Code, for each year of obligated service that a person agrees to serve in an agreement described in subsection (b)(2). (e) Duration of assistance Financial assistance may be provided to a person under subsection (a) for not more than 5 consecutive academic years. (f) Subsistence allowance (1) In general A person who receives financial assistance under subsection (a) shall be entitled to a monthly subsistence allowance at a rate prescribed under paragraph (2) for the duration of the period for which the person receives such financial assistance. (2) Determination of amount The Secretary shall prescribe monthly rates for subsistence allowance provided under paragraph (1), which shall be equal to the amount specified in section 2144(a) of title 10, United States Code. (g) Initial clothing allowance (1) Training The Secretary may prescribe a sum which shall be credited to each person who receives financial assistance under subsection (a) to cover the cost of the person's initial clothing and equipment issue. (2) Appointment Upon completion of the program of education for which a person receives financial assistance under subsection (a) and acceptance of appointment in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, the person may be issued a subsequent clothing allowance equivalent to that normally provided to a newly appointed officer. (h)