Accelerated Program
A concentrated college program of study in less time than is normally required.

Accreditation
The process that ensures the school's programs maintain at least the minimum standards of quality. Students who attend a non-accredited program or school will not be eligible for federal or state aid.

ACT Assessment
The American College Testing Program admissions test covering English usage, mathematics usage, social studies, reading, and natural sciences.

Admissions Testing Program (ATP)
College Board program that includes the SAT, Achievement Tests, Advance Placement Tests, and reports of test results.

Advanced Placement
Credit for college-level high school courses, allowing a student to take advanced-level courses in a certain subject. Usually granted on test results.

American College Testing Program (ACT)
This organization conducts standardized testing and financial aid needs analysis.

Assets
Anything that is owned. Property, cash, money in savings accounts, personal valuables. Used in determining student's financial need.

Bachelor's Degree
The degree given for completion of undergraduate college/university programs. A complete program usually takes four years.

Class Rank
A student's approximate standing in the graduating high school class. Based on grade point average (GPA) in terms of either percentiles or rank order.

College Board
A membership organization made up of representatives from college admissions and financial aid offices and secondary school guidance counselors.

College Scholarship Service (CSS)
A service of the College Board that computes information on the CSS Profile and estimates the student and family contribution for financial aid analysis.

CSS Profile
Parents or independent students use this form to list all income, and net assets for the College Scholarship Service in their estimate of the expected family contribution

College Work/Study (DWS)
A federally supported program that provides 80 percent of the funds for colleges to offer jobs on- and off-campus to students with demonstrated financial need.

Comprehensive Financial Aid Report (CFAR)
The American College Testing Program's statement of the expected family contribution. Based on the Family Financial Statement.

Consumer Price Index (CPI)
A measure of inflation or deflation at the consumer level. The rise and fall of the costs of many consumer products/services are often compared to the CPI.

Cooperative Education Plan (CO-OP)
A program that enables students to combine work and study, structured as either a work and study schedule within the same term, or a work term alternating with a study term. Often prolongs time for completion of a degree.

Cost of Education
This is the total amount it will cost a student to attend a particular school. Includes tuition, fees, books, housing, food, transportation, and any miscellaneous or special expenses. An important consideration when determining a financial aid program.

Credit by Examination
Academic credit is given a student who has shown a knowledge or proficiency in a given subject. Credit is applied toward student's degree and/or acceptance through an early admission program.

Dean/Director of Admissions
The person in charge of the admissions office at a college.

Dependent Student
A student who is dependent on one or both parents for financial support. A student is classified as dependent or independent (self-supporting) with regard to financial aid purposes.

Early Action
Allows students to learn of the decision an their application prior to the standard April notification date.