Important College Terminology You May Need to Know

Whether you just graduated high school or are returning later in life, college can feel like a big change. Learning common college terms can make the transition easier, especially as you manage financial aid, enrollment, and coursework. Think about the glossary below as "college terminology 101."

Academic Year

This refers to the period of time that comprises one full school year of classes and coursework.

Accreditation

Accreditation is granted by a recognized higher-education association when a college or university can demonstrate that it meets the required education and quality standards. Many employers and professional groups look to make sure the degree held by an applicant is from an accredited institution.

Award Letter

Sometimes referred to as a "financial aid award letter," this is a document that outlines the different types and amounts of financial aid you may be eligible to receive. This may include federal loans and grants, as well as any additional aid the school itself offers.

Associate Degree

An associate degree is a two year undergraduate credential that is typically earned by completing general education requirements, electives, and required coursework within a degree program.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate credential that is often associated with a traditional four-year program of study at a college or university. Time to completion may vary depending on factors such as enrollment status, transfer credits, program requirements and prior academic experience.

Commencement

The commencement ceremony (also sometimes called convocation) is when new graduates are recognized and granted their degrees.

Core Courses

Core courses refer to those classes that make up the essential foundation of your degree program. These are more specific to your main area of study than general education credits, and may be taken in greater concentration during the later part of your program.

Course Number

Courses are typically labeled by both department and number. Introductory and general education courses often start in the 100 or 200 range, while higher-level courses are often in the 300s or 400s. Your program may also indicate which courses you are required to take for your degree program based on the specific number(s) by which they are offered.

Credit Hour

Credit hours are earned by successfully completing courses, and act as a marker of academic progress. Different courses may offer a different number of credit hours upon completion.

Add/Drop Period

This is the period at the beginning of each enrollment session that students can make changes to their schedule by adding or dropping classes. After the add/drop period has passed, students are responsible for tuition costs and will receive a final grade for each course in which they're still enrolled.

Elective

Electives are courses that students are allowed to choose based on their own interests, and also contribute toward the successful completion of a degree program. Electives can be offered within or outside of one's degree program.

Financial Aid

This is any aid offered to qualifying students to be used for tuition expenses or course materials costs, including federal student loans, federal and institution-based grants or scholarships, and any private school loans or external fund sources.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®)

This is a document through which students apply for federal student aid. Students must complete the FAFSA each award year they intend to use federal loans and/or grants.

General Education Classes

Informally referred to as "gen eds," these are courses outside a student's primary focus of study that are required for the successful completion of a degree program.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grade Point Average (GPA) is a measure of academic performance that is often calculated on a 4-point scale, with grades for each course converted to a numeric value. These values are then averaged together and used to indicate academic progress.

Grant

Grants are funds awarded to students who qualify without the requirement that they be repaid. There are a number of grants for which students may qualify at both the federal and institutional level.

Internship

An internship is a temporary position that provides students an opportunity to get additional on-the-job training and experience in the workplace. Internships can be paid or unpaid, and are often taken in the later years of one's college experience.

Loan

Loans are a type of financial aid extended to qualifying students that must eventually be repaid with interest. These could include subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans, as well as any private loans for which students may apply.

Master's Degree

A master's degree is a graduate credential completed after a bachelor's degree that may allow students to further study a field at an advanced level. Program length and requirements vary by institution and degree program.

Net Price Calculator

This is a tool that helps students calculate their total tuition costs once any federal, state, or military aid for which they may qualify have been factored in.

Orientation

Orientation is an event designed to welcome new students and help familiarize them with the university and any important policies and procedures. It is typically held at the beginning or shortly before the start of the academic year.

Proof of Graduation (POG)

Proof of Graduation (POG) is documentation showing that a student has completed high school or an equivalent requirement. Accepted documentation and submission deadlines vary by institution.

Registrar

The Registrar's Office typically handles all student records, as well as course registration and schedules, grades, transcripts and verification of other academic requirements.

SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress)

Students must make satisfactory academic progress in order to remain enrolled at their institution (and often to remain qualified for financial aid). Progress may be based not only on the number of courses a student has completed toward their degree, but other factors such as cumulative GPA at the end of each term.

Scholarship

Scholarships are funds awarded to qualifying students based on merit and need, and like grants, typically do not need to be repaid. Most schools offer their own unique range of scholarship opportunities.

Specialization

Certain institutions may offer specializations within one's degree program. This gives students an opportunity to pursue a more specific focus of study.

Student Services Advisor

Student services advisors help ensure students have the support they need to succeed academically in college. This may involve connecting students to academic and personal support services, helping students with important paperwork and deadlines or directing them to career resources.

Term

A term is a defined period of time within an academic year during which courses are offered. Term lengths and structures vary by institution.

Transcript

Transcripts are records of a student's academic progress, including all courses taken, grades and completion status for each course, cumulative GPA and any other information relevant to the completion of one's degree program.

To continue exploring college terminology, academic planning, and available education options, explore AIU’s online degree programs today.

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