A student who is attending a college or career school outside of his or her state of legal residence. return to top

Your or your family's wages, salaries, interest, dividends, etc., minus certain deductions from income as reported on a federal income tax return.

An offer that states the type and amount of financial aid the school is willing to provide if you accept admission and register to take classes at that school.

The school year for which financial aid is used to fund your education. return to top

The addition of unpaid interest to the principal balance of a loan. When the interest is not paid as it accrues during periods of in-school status, the grace period, deferment, or forbearance, your le [..]

The total amount it will cost you to go to school—usually stated as a yearly figure. COA includes tuition and fees; room and board (or a housing and food allowance); and allowances for books, supplies [..]

 A postponement of payment on a loan that is allowed under certain conditions and during which interest does not accrue on Direct Subsidized Loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans, and Federal Perki [..]

The determination of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applicant as dependent or independent.

A student who does not meet any of the criteria for an independent student. An independent student is one of the following: at least 24 years old, married, a graduate or professional student, a vetera [..]

A federal student loan, made through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, for which eligible students and parents borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education at participating sch [..]