Postsecondary Education Vocab

Public College

A college operated and financially supported by the state in which they are located.

Private College

A college that relies on endowments, tuition and fundraising campaigns. They do not receive government money.

College

A four-year institution of learning where students earn an undergraduate degree

Career Tech School

Programs designed to provide students with education and job skills that will enable them to get a job immediately after graduating from high school (Vocational/Trade School).

Admissions

The process of being accepted by a college or training program.

Community College

Type of college with up to two-year programs leading to certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees.

Personal Financing

Use of one's own funds to finance postsecondary education.

Major

A student's primary area of study.

Minor

A student's secondary area of study.

Associate's Degree

A two-year degree earned after successfully completing a required program of study in a community or technical college.

University

A university is composed of undergraduate, graduate, and professional colleges and offers degrees in each.

Bachelor's Degree

An academic degree which usually takes four years to earn and is awarded by a college or university.

Master's Degree

An advanced two-year program completed after attainment of a bachelor's degree.

Loan

Borrowed money that must be repaid.

Postsecondary

Education after high school.

Scholarship

Financial aid that is earned through academics or athletics.

FAFSA

Free Application for Federal Student Aid, Application that students must complete to qualify for federal aid.

GPA

Grade Point Average based on grades earned during all four years of high school (9th - 12th).

Transfer

Process of moving from one college/university to another.

Doctorate Degree

Highest level earned for education, the degree takes at least four additional years of specialized education after a Bachelor and requires writing a doctorate thesis paper.

Financial Aid

Methods of paying for education/training, such as grants, scholarships, etc.

Grant

Money that can come from the state or federal government, from the college itself, or from private sources which provides money for college that doesn't have to be paid back.

Transcript

Permanent academic record which includes courses taken, grades, and honors received.