Dependant
Glossary
Dependant
A student who is dependent upon their parents for financial aid purposes; must include parental information on FAFSA, CSS PROFILE, and any other financial aid documents. Rules for dependency can be found here.
Direct Loans
Federal student loans, made through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, that eligible students and parents borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education at participating schools. Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Direct Consolidation Loans are types of Direct Loans.
Direct PLUS Loan
Federal loans that graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students use to help pay for education expenses.
Direct Subsidized Loans
Loans offered to undergraduate students and based on financial need. You must submit a FAFSA application for consideration each year. Will not accrue interest while you’re in school at least half-time (six or more hours). Repayment begins six-months after your graduate school or drop below half-time enrollment (fewer than six hours).
Direct Unsubsidized loans
Loans offered to undergraduate and graduate students, there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need, but you must submit the FAFSA for consideration. Offered amounts are based on loan limits and program cost of attendance. Half-time (six hours) or greater enrollment is required to borrow. Interest will accrue at the time the loan is disbursed. Repayment begins six-months from graduation or when enrollment drops below half-time (fewer than six hours).
Disbursement
When your financial aid is sent to your student account (paying toward your university billed charges) at the Cashier’s Office.
EFC
Expected Family Contribution; can be considered a measure of your family’s financial strength. Is determined by the FAFSA each year.
Entrance Counseling
Entrance counseling explains your rights and the obligations you agree to meet as a condition of accepting a Direct Loan. More information about entrance counseling is available at: https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/.
Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)
A calculation based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that allows us to determine how much need-based financial aid you are eligible for. It provides schools with a picture of your family’s financial strength.
Exit Counseling
Provides important information to prepare to repay your federal student loan(s). Exit counseling is available at: https://studentaid.gov/exit-counseling/.