Cost of Attendance (COA)
The total estimated price of one year of college. This includes “direct costs” (tuition and fees) and “indirect costs” (books, transportation, and food).
Dependent Student
A student who is required to provide parental information on the financial aid application because the student does not meet the criteria for an independent studentA student who is not required to provide parent information when applying for financial aid because they meet federal criteria, such as being age 24 or older, married, a veteran, […]
Disbursement to the Student
The state aid funds are considered disbursed to the student at the point the institution makes the funds unconditionally available to the student for use in payment of fees, expenses, or other eligible expenses associated with the cost of attendance.
Dual Credit
These courses count for both high school and college credit. This can save time and money in pursuing a college degree. Students who have not yet graduated from high school but are taking college coursework are not eligible for state aid programs unless they are fully admitted as regular students and qualify for federal student […]
Earned Credit Hours
The hours used in the calculation of the grade point average. State aid recipients must complete credit hours equivalent to full-time status each semester or trimester unless otherwise noted by their program. (See definition of Full-time Status and the definition of Satisfactory Academic Progress in this Glossary.)
Entering Freshman
First time never attended college. High School graduates who have earned less than twelve (12) college credits who meet the requirements for state aid.
Family (Immediate)
The term “family” for a dependent recipient means the recipient, the applicant’s parents, and other children under the age of twenty-one (21) of the recipient’s parents. The term “family” for an emancipated (independent) recipient means the recipient, the recipient’s spouse, and any children under the age of twenty-one (21) of the recipient and spouse.
Financial Aid Package
The total financial aid awarded to a student from a combination of two or more forms of financial aid (grants, scholarships, employment, and/or loans). The student’s financial needThe demonstrated need (must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for demonstrated need to be determined) of the applicant for financial assistance to meet the actual […]
Financial Need
The demonstrated need (must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for demonstrated need to be determined) of the applicant for financial assistance to meet the actual costs of attending the eligible institution of choice as determined from financial information on the applicant and, if required, on the applicant’s parents under the federal need […]
Fostering Access and Inspiring True Hope Scholarship (FAITH)
This program awards scholarships up to the full cost of attendance for current and former foster youth to attend college in Mississippi.