Student Aid Reference Desk

Explore Financial Aid Topics & Terms

Looking for something? Find it fast with the Student Aid Reference Desk.

To get started, check out the trending and suggested topics, select a term from the left to browse, or search for a term using the box above.

Learn more about the Student Aid Reference Desk, or contact us via email. Nonpartisan research may be submitted via form for consideration of inclusion.

Contributing Partners

American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)

American Council on Education (ACE)

Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT)

College Board

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA)

National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU)

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)