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.