FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - a federal form required as the application from all students who wish to apply for need-based financial aid (grants, loans and work-study)
Favorites Manager – this My College Options feature allows you to add, rank and sort through your favorite colleges and universities
Federal Pell Grant - a form of financial aid provided by the Federal government to students whose FAFSA indicates a high level of financial need
Federal Perkins Loans – are similar to the Stafford loans in that there is no interest accruing while you are in college. The interest is lower at 5.0% and the repayment grace period is longer than that of a Stafford subsidized loan. The “need-based” standards are more stringent and funds are awarded based upon the FAFSA Student Aid Report.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant Program – is designed to provide additional need-based aid to Pell Grant recipients with greater financial need/lower Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Federal Work-Study (FWS) - a program providing financial aid funds for students through their employment in part-time positions authorized by the institution and the government.
Financial Need – is determined by your family income, assets and the cost of attending your college selection. After determining financial need, your Student Aid Report will indicate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Financial Aid - describes funds awarded to the student to help pay for his or her college education (Funds may come from the federal or state government, the college at which the student enrolls, or private sources.)
Financial Aid Award Package - an announcement package, presented to a student and his or her family once the financial aid process is completed, outlining the types of aid for which the student is eligible
First-Generation Student - a student whose parents have no college experience
First-Year Student - 1) a college freshman; 2) a student who has not previously enrolled in a degree program at the institution and is not enrolled as a transfer student
Fraternity - a selective membership organization of male students at a college or university, associated for a common (and, in today’s society, largely social) purpose or interest and, generally, identified by letters from the Greek alphabet
Gap Year Programs - year-long programs designed for high school graduates who wish to defer enrollment in college while engaging in meaningful activities (Examples: academic programs, structured travel, community service, etc.)
Graduate Schools – are usually within universities offering degree programs beyond the Bachelor's degree.
Grant - financial assistance awarded because of financial need (A grant may be provided by federal or state government, an institution, a foundation, or some other non-profit funding source and does not have to be repaid.)
Grant-In-Aid - funds provided to an individual or institution to cover the cost of a project or program or participation in a project or program