COA (Cost of Attendance) – This budget includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, transportation and personal expenses for one academic year of education. The COA is used to determine the maximum amount of financial aid that a student can receive for an academic period.
EFC (Expected Family Contribution) – The EFC is a measure of your family's financial strength and is calculated according to a formula established by law. Your EFC is not the amount of money your family will have to pay for college nor is it the amount of federal student aid you will receive. It is a number used by your school to calculate the amount of federal student aid you are eligible to receive.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) – A form required by the government for application to any federal aid program; this form is used to determine the expected family contribution based on family financial information. This form is also used to determine the specific Federal Student Aid Programs that can contribute to a student’s total financial aid package and in what proportions.
FAO (Financial Aid Office) – NMU's Financial Aid Office is located at 2107 C.B. Hedgcock.
FSEOG or SEOG (Federal Supplement Educational Opportunity Grant) – Grant that is campus based and provides assistance for Pell eligible recipients. The amount may vary at different schools based on availability and funding parameters.
FWS (Federal Work-Study Program) – Funds used for community or campus employment; all money earned through this program based on need is considered non-taxable income.
GPA (Grade Point Average) – The average grade earned by a student, figured by dividing the grade points earned by the number of credits attempted.
MCS (Michigan Competitive Scholarship) – Available to Michigan undergraduate students pursuing their first degree at an approved Michigan post secondary institution.
MET (Michigan Educational Trust) – This prepaid tuition program offers several options to the Michigan family to lock in tuition at Michigan public institutions.
MPN (Master Promissory Note) – A legally binding loan agreement a borrower signs to promise to repay the loan, with interest, in periodic installments. The note may be signed in writing or electronically. A borrower may receive multiple loans under the same MPN.
PELL (Federal Pell Grant) – This is an entitlement from federal government to eligible undergraduate students.
PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Dependent Students) – Provides parents and students with an alternative way to finance attending college.
SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) – Federal regulation requires that all financial aid recipients progress at a reasonable rate toward achieving a certificate or degree. This is measured by the student’s cumulative grade point average; the number of credits earned in relation to those attempted; and the maximum time frame allowed to complete an academic program.
SAR (Student Aid Report) – The official notification sent out after the FAFSA has been processed. This document will state your expected family contribution.
TIP (Tuition Incentive Program) – This is a State of Michigan program that encourages eligible students to complete high school by providing tuition assistance for the first two years of college and beyond.