Academic Year
The measure of the school work to be completed by a student each year as defined by the school.

Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)
The estimated amount of money a student’s family can contribute to the student’s total cost of college; a standard formula, called the Congressional Methodology, is used to compute the EFC and combines both the parents’ and student’s estimated contributions; the total EFC figure is used in calculating a student’s eligibility for financial aid.

Federal Pell Grant
A federal grant program for needy postsecondary students who have not yet received a baccalaureate or first professional degree; administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The financial aid application document completed by the student,and the student's parents if applicable, that collects household and financial information. The FAFSA is the foundation document for all federal need analysis computations and database matches performed for a student.

Grant
Financial assistance that does not need to be repaid.

Pell Grant
A federal grant that provides funds of up to $5,550 based on the student's financial need.

Pell Grant Index (PGI) Number
An index number appearing on your Student Aid Report (SAR) that determines the amount of Pell Grant money to be included in your financial aid package: the number is the result of a series of calculations based on your SAR.

Scholarship
A form of financial assistance that does not require repayment or employment and is usually made to students who demonstrate or show potential for distinction, usually in academic performance.