the total costs of attending a college; also known as the cost of attendance.

one of the ways to determine eligibility for federal aid for students who aren’t high school graduates or don’t have a GED certificate.

an item of value, such as home equity, other real estate, stocks, bonds, cash savings, trust funds, money market funds, college savings plans, retirement plans and prepaid tuition plans (the FAFSA does not ask you report home equity or retirement plan assets).

your Cal Grant may be extended an additional year if you’re getting a teaching credential or are attending a mandatory five-year program; see Request for Cal Grants Fifth Year Benefits.

you’re considered a California resident if you’re an unmarried student, under 18, and your parents have been legal California residents for one year prior to the year in which you are applying for state financial aid; if you've lived for two years with a legal California resident, other than a parent; or if a parent is in the U.S. Armed Forces [..]

the three federal programs administered by colleges: Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and Federal Work-Study.

when interest is added to the principal balance of a loan rather than being paid as it accrues; any future interest is based on the higher loan amount.

U.S. citizens

the total cost of college for the school year as calculated by colleges, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, food, housing, personal expenses, and sometimes the rental or purchase of a computer; also known as the student budget.

the financial aid application administered by the College Board required by some independent colleges and scholarship organizations to award private aid; only available online.