Front

A paid career-training program where students learn on the job in addition to some classroom instruction

Back

Apprenticeship

Front

A degree that generally takes two years of study and is awarded by a community, junior, or business college

Back

Associates Degree

Front

Someone who legally agrees to take responsibility for a person's debt if they cannot repay it

Back

Co-signer

Front

A process that allows a borrower to pause their federal student loan payments; interest does NOT accrue during this time period on subsidized loans

Back

Deferment

Front

A federal loan available to graduate or professional students and eligible parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for the cost of the student's education at participating schools

Back

Direct Plus Loans

Front

A federal student loan available to undergraduate students; the federal government pays interest on the loan as long as the student is in school at least part-time

Back

Direct Subsidized Loans

Front

A federal student loan available to undergraduate and graduate students; the student is responsible for paying the interest during the time they are in school, which means they must pay that interest while studying or have it rolled into the principal amount of their loan

Back

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Front

A portion of a federal student loan that the school pays out by applying the funds to the student's school account or by paying the borrower directly. Students generally receive their federal student loans in more than one disbursement.

Back

Disbursement

Front

A free online application that current or prospective college students can submit each year to determine their eligibility for financial aid

Back

FAFSA

Front

The largest form of student aid in the country; federal aid programs come in the form of government grants, loans, and work-study opportunities

Back

Federal Student Aid