Funds used to pay for higher education that do not have to be repaid. Scholarships may be awarded based on any number of criteria, such as academics, achievements, talents, and affiliations with various groups, or career aspirations. Scholarships do not have to be repaid.

A period of at least 30 weeks of instructional time, traditionally September through May, during which a full-time student is expected to complete at least 24 semester hours or credits. The length or dates may be defined differently for an institution that has trimester or measures program length in clock hours.

In the U.S., colleges and universities are accredited by one of 19 recognized institutional accrediting organizations. Programs are accredited by one of approximately 60 recognized programmatic accrediting organizations. [Accrediting organizations that are "recognized" have been reviewed for quality by the Council for Higher Education Acc [..]

All taxable income less IRS allowable adjustments to income. This figure is from U.S. IRS tax forms. For parents this figure is item number 73 in Step Four of the FAFSA and for students, it is item number 35 in Step Two.

Cash on hand in checking and savings accounts, trust, stocks, bonds or other securities, real estate, income-producing property, business equipment and business inventory.

An alternate term for the cost of attendance.

The total cost of attending a post-secondary institution (college, university, vocational & technical schools, or graduate schools) for one academic year. The cost of attendance usually includes tuition, fees, room, board, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.

A student who does not qualify as an independent student and whose parental income and asset information is used in calculating expected Family Contribution. Enrollment Status: The number of credit hours being attempted by a student. Normally, students must be half-time or more to apply for scholarships. Individual programs will list this criteria.

The amount a student and his/her family are expected to pay toward the cost of attending college. This amount is determined by a formula established by Congress. The formula includes factors such as taxable and non-taxable income, assets, family size, number of children in college, etc.

The form that must be completed by students and parents applying for Federal Title IV student aid.