; or (ii) government or commercial loans received by an individual for the cost of attendance at an institution of higher education. (D) Definitions For purposes of this paragraph: (i) Cost of Attendance The term cost of attendance has the meaning given such term by section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087ll ). (ii) Institution of Higher Education The term institution of higher education has the meaning given such term under subsection (a) or (b) of section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 ). (5) Federal hiring preference In the case of a Corps volunteer who completes at least one term of full-time service in the Corps for a total period of 12 months or more, as determined by the Director, such volunteer shall be eligible for appointment in the competitive service in the same manner as Peace Corps volunteers as prescribed in Executive Order No. 11103 (April 10, 1963). (6) Regulations The Director shall issue any regulations that the Director determines to be necessary to carry out this subsection. (d) Assignment of Corps volunteers (1) Assignment (A) In General The Director shall assign each Corps volunteer to participate in a local care corps program. (B) Priority of Assignment In assigning Corps volunteers to local care corps programs, the Director shall— (i) take into consideration the population and geographic preferences of the volunteers