The total estimated cost of attending a college or university, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
Cost of Attendance
A measure of a family’s financial strength used to determine eligibility for federal student aid, calculated based on income, assets, family size, and the number of family members attending college.
Expected Family Contribution
A tax-advantaged investment account that allows for the accumulation of funds to cover qualified education expenses for K-12 and higher education.
Coverdell Education Savings Account
The total amount of financial aid offered to a student, including scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans.
Financial Aid Package
A form used by the U.S. Department of Education to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid, including federal grants, work-study, and loans.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Financial aid that does not need to be repaid, typically awarded based on academic, athletic, or other achievements.
Scholarship
Financial aid, often need-based, that does not require repayment, commonly provided by federal, state, or institutional sources.
Grant
Borrowed money that must be repaid, with interest, used to cover education-related expenses. Loans can be federal or private.
Student Loan
A federal program that provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.
Work-Study Program
Financial assistance awarded based on a student’s academic, athletic, artistic, or other talents, regardless of financial need.
Merit-Based Aid
Financial assistance awarded based on a student’s financial situation, determined by the family’s income, assets, and the cost of attendance.
Need-Based Aid
A summary of the information provided on the FAFSA, including the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and eligibility for financial aid.
Student Aid Report
An online tool that provides an estimate of the actual cost of attending a specific college or university after considering financial aid.
Net Price Calculator
The target amount needed to cover future education expenses, taking into account factors like inflation, investment returns, and savings strategies.
Education Savings Goal