academic yearUsually this refers to the September-June school year. In some cases it refers to the entire year.
advisorA member of the college faculty or staff who assists students with planning quarter or semester schedules as well as their overall programs of study.
applicationThe first step in requesting admission to an institution of higher education. Usually there is a form to fill out by a certain deadline; sometimes there is an application fee to pay.
Associate’s DegreeA 2 year degree earned after successfully completing a required program of study in a community or technical college.
Bachelor’s DegreeA college degree which can often be earned by following a four-year instructional program.
commencementThe ceremony at the end of an academic year when students receive their degrees or diplomas (compare to graduation).
creditA unit of measure for college work. Represents one hour of classroom attendance each week for one quarter.
financial aidMoney available from various sources to help students pay college expenses. These funds come as loans and grants, or scholarships from the state or federal government or other organizations.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)The application required for students to be considered for federal student financial aid.
general educationA set of course requirements designed to help each graduating student achieve competence in a variety of learning outcome areas.
grade-point average (GPA)Computed by multiplying the number value of the grade earned in each course (generally, A= 4, B= 3, C= 2, D= 1, F= 0) times the number credits for each course, then dividing the result by the total number of credits taken.
grantA type of financial aid that does not have to be paid back after the student leaves school.
internshipA supervised short-term apprenticeship or temporary job in a real-world setting closely related to a student’s field of study.
loanA type of financial aid that must be repaid to the government agency or other lending organization when the student leaves school.
majorSpecialization in one academic discipline or field of study.
open admissionsThe policy of some colleges to admit nearly all applicants, regardless of high school grades and admission test scores.
post-secondaryRefers to all educational programs for students past high-school age; it includes community and technical colleges and job training programs as well as baccalaureate colleges and universities.
prerequisiteA course that must be completed (often with a certain minimum grade) or a skill that must be demonstrated before a student can enroll in a more advanced course .
scholarshipA type of financial aid grant. Organizations these according to academic achievement, financial need, or any other basis. Usually there is a competitive application process.
syllabusAn outline plan for a particular class, including textbook requirements, class meeting dates, reading assignments, examination dates, and the instructor’s grading standards, etc.
transcriptAn official record of the courses and semester or quarter credits a student has taken at a college or university, the grades and degrees or certificates earned, and any awards and honors received.
tuition and feesThe cost of instruction at a college or university.
undergraduateA student who has not yet earned a bachelor’s degree; also refers to the courses and instructional programs such a student enrolls in.
work-studyA type of financial aid which pays students to work part-time, often on campus, during the academic year.
Master’s DegreeTypically takes 6 years to complete – higher than bachelor’s degree.