College Terms

Below are some words that you may hear used in your Saturday@SAM sessions and as you start your college journey.

A staff member who will help students choose majors/minors and help determine which classes are needed.

College application used for all public universities in Texas.

A four-year undergraduate degree.

Measure of class time/# of hours a student spends in a class

The combination of any major/minor that a student chooses and what is required to graduate

Free Application for Federal Student Aid An application used by students to apply to receive federal funding/financial assistance for college.

A student whose parents did not complete college.

Grade Point Average The average of a student’s final grades in all courses.

Refers to any formal schooling after high school.

Focus area of study for a degree program.

Secondary area of study, requires less credits than a major.

Texas Application for State Financial Aid An application for students who are Texas Residents but do not qualify for federal aid (ex. DACA).

To earn credits at one college or university and move them to another.

Cost of college classes, usually paid per credit hour.

A student who has not yet earned a Bachelor’s degree.