Definitions

Term: In-state tuition
Definition: Enrollment fees at public colleges and universities charged to students who are in-state residents.

Term: Out-of-state tuition
Definition: Enrollment fees at public colleges and universities charged to students who are out-of-state residents.

Term: Affidavit
Definition: A legal document confirmed and signed in the presence of a notary public.

Term: U.S. Residency
Definition: Legal status affirming that one is residing legally in the United States.

Term: A-G Course List
Definition: A list of high school courses that fulfills the subject requirements for admission to the University of California and California State University.

Term: California Community College (CCC)
Definition: One of 112 public colleges that prepare students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Typically, transfer students attend a community college for the equivalent of two years full-time.

Term: Transfer Curriculum
Definition: Courses taken by California Community College students or students attending private two-year colleges that qualify them to transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

Term: California State University (CSU)
Definition: A public system of 23 universities in California. The CSU enrolls the upper 33% of California’s high school graduates each year.

Term: University of California (UC)
Definition: A public system of 10 universities in California. The UC enrolls the upper 12% of California’s high school graduates each year.

Term: Independent College or University
Definition: One of approximately 75 private colleges or universities in California.

Term: Associate’s Degree
Definition: A degree earned after two years of full-time study in an approved course of study at a community college or private two-year college.

Term: Baccalaureate or Bachelor’s Degree
Definition: A degree typically earned after four years of full-time study in an approved course of study at a four-year college or university.

Term: Master’s Degree
Definition: A degree earned after earning a baccalaureate or bachelor’s degree. Typically one to two years of full-time study in an approved course of study are needed for a master’s degree.

Term: Professional Degree
Definition: A degree that prepares the holder for a specific profession, such as a medical, dental or law degree. The professional degree is typically earned after earning a baccalaureate or bachelor’s degree. Typically three to five years of full-time study in an approved course of study are needed for a professional degree.

Term: Doctorate
Definition: A degree earned after earning a baccalaureate or bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Typically three to five years of full-time study in an approved course of study are needed for a doctoral degree.

Term: Undocumented
Definition: A person who does not have the appropriate documents allowing him/her to reside legally in the United States.

What is AB 540?

Term: GED
Definition: The General Educational Development Test (GED), if passed, allows students 18 years old and older to receive the California High School Equivalency Certificate. Passage is required for graduation from high school.

Term: Undergraduate Student
Definition: A student attending a two- or four-year college or university studying to receive a baccalaureate or bachelor’s degree.

Term: Graduate Student
Definition: A student who has earned a baccalaureate or bachelor’s degree and is enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program.

Term: California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE)
Definition: A proficiency exam usually taken by public school 10th graders that assesses reading, writing, and mathematic skills. It is necessary to pass the exam before a student is deemed eligible to receive a high school diploma.

Term: Accredited Institution
Definition: A college or university in California that has received accreditation from an approved accrediting body. In California most students attend a college or university accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Term: Non-resident Fees
Definition: Fees charged to college or university students who do not reside in California.

Term: High School Transcript
Definition: A document produced by a student’s high school listing the classes that s/he took and the grades s/he received.

Term: Transfer Student
Definition: A student who has or will transfer from a community college or a two-year private college to a four-year college or university.

Term: Freshmen
Definition: First year students attending a community college, two-year private college, or a four-year college or university.

Fears

Term: Court Order
Definition: An order issued by a court of law that requires a person to do or refrain from a particular act(s).

Term: Professional Ethics
Definition: A code of conduct requiring people from different professions to act honorably and honestly as they engage in their profession.

Term: Ombudsman
Definition: An officer of a college or university who investigates, reports on, and helps settle complaints or disputes.

Term: Litigation
Definition: The act of engaging in a legal contest in a court of law.

Paying for College

Term: Room and Board
Definition: Fees or charges for lodging and food.

Term: Entrepreneur
Definition: A person who owns a business or businesses.

Term: Bursar’s Office
Definition: The office at a college or university that handles all student financial transactions such as billing, receiving payment, and managing installment plans.