Glossary

Academic Advisor
A college staff member who helps students choose classes, plan their degree, and stay on track to graduate.

Accredited School
A college or program that meets official educational standards recognized by accrediting organizations.

Apprenticeship
A training program where students learn a trade while working with experienced professionals, often while earning wages.

Associate Degree
A two-year college degree usually earned at a community college.

Application Fee
A payment required when submitting a college application. Some schools offer fee waivers.

Bachelor’s Degree
A four-year college degree offered by universities and colleges.

Budgeting
Planning how to spend and manage money for tuition, housing, food, and other expenses.

Campus Life
Activities, organizations, and events available to students outside of class.

Certificate Program
A short educational program that teaches specific job skills, often taking less time than a degree.

Community College
A two-year college that offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs.

Cost of Attendance (COA)
The total estimated cost of attending a college for one year, including tuition, housing, food, books, and fees.

Credit Hour
A unit that represents the amount of work required for a class.

Degree Program
A set of courses required to complete a college degree in a specific subject.

Dormitory (Dorm)
Student housing located on a college campus.

Dual Enrollment
A program allowing high school students to take college classes for credit

Elective Course
A class students choose based on personal interests rather than major requirements.

Enrollment
The process of registering for classes at a college or university.

Elective Course
A class students choose based on personal interests rather than major requirements.

Enrollment
The process of registering for classes at a college or university.

Gap Year
A year taken after high school to work, travel, volunteer, or explore career interests before attending college.

Grant
Financial aid that usually does not need to be repaid.

Gap Year
A year taken after high school to work, travel, volunteer, or explore career interests before attending college.

Grant
Financial aid that usually does not need to be repaid.

Internship
Temporary work experience that helps students gain career-related skills.

In-State Tuition
Lower tuition rates for students who live in the same state as the college.

Loan (Student Loan)
Money borrowed to pay for college that must be repaid later.

Living Expenses
Costs such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Major
The main subject a student studies in college.

Minor
A secondary area of study that requires fewer classes than a major.

Off-Campus Housing
Apartments or rental homes located outside of university housing.

Orientation
Programs designed to introduce new students to college life and resources.

Prerequisite
A class that must be completed before enrolling in another course.

Private University
A college funded primarily through tuition, donations, and private organizations.

Public University
A state-funded college that often offers lower tuition for residents.

Resident Assistant (RA)
A student leader who helps manage dormitory communities.

Room and Board
Costs for housing and meals while attending college.

Scholarship
Money awarded to students to help pay for college that does not need to be repaid.

Semester
A half-year academic term, usually about 15–16 weeks.

Student Organization
Clubs or groups that allow students to explore interests, build skills, and meet people.

Trade School
A school focused on hands-on training for skilled careers such as electricians, welders, or mechanics.

Transfer Student
A student who moves from one college to another to complete their degree.

Tuition
The cost of taking classes at a college or university.

Undergraduate Student
A student working toward their first college degree.

Work-Study Program
A federal financial aid program that provides part-time jobs for students while attending school.