FINANCIAL AID GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Cost of Attendance (COA)

The COA is the amount it will cost for you to attend Bates. It includes direct costs billed by Bates (the single fee, which includes tuition, food, and housing) and indirect costs that may be paid by you and your family over the course of the academic year (books, transportation, and personal expenses.)

CSS Profile

An online financial aid application used by Bates to calculate eligibility for institutional grant aid. You must complete this form each year to be considered for institutional financial aid. Our Profile school code is 3076.

FAFSA

This application is completed by US citizens and eligible non-citizens and is used to determine eligibility for federal grants and loans. You must complete this form each year to be considered for federal financial aid. Our FAFSA school code is 002036.

Family Contribution

Bates carefully analyzes family income, assets, and household information to determine the family contribution, which in most cases, includes two parts:

Parent Contribution — Calculated amount based on parent income, assets, and household information.

Student Contribution — Amount expected from you, intended to come from summer earnings and student assets.

Financial Need

Your total cost of attendance (COA) minus your family’s calculated contribution.

Scholarships & Grants

Gift aid that does not need to be repaid. You may receive these from Bates or federal or state governments. The funds you have been awarded will be automatically disbursed to your student account, no other steps are required.

IDOC

A College Board service that securely collects family financial documents and distributes them to institutions on behalf of the student; you gain access to this once you complete the CSS Profile.

Loans

A form of financial aid that you need to pay back over time, usually with interest added. Federal loans can either be borrowed by you or your parents. Alternative student loans are also available. Additional steps are needed in order to borrow the student loan included in your financial aid offer if you choose to do so.

Need-Based Aid

Financial assistance offered on the basis of your calculated financial need. This is the only type of financial aid Bates offers.

Net Price

Your total cost of attendance (COA) minus all grant/scholarship assistance.

Outside Scholarship

Funds received from private or community organizations. Bates allows you to use these funds to reduce the loan or work portion of your financial aid offer, or pay your family’s contribution.

Tuition Benefit

Funds that may come from a parent’s employer. These benefits reduce the Bates grant dollar-for-dollar.