Academic Year
The period of time generally from September to June. It is usually two semesters, or trimesters, or three quarters.

Accreditation
Regional Accrediting Agencies rate educational institutions. This accreditations applies to the entire institution. The accreditations reported here are recognized by the U.S Department of Education and indicate that institution has achieved a high level of quality. Specialized Accrediting Agencies, on the other hand, rate only particular "schools" or "departments" (e.g. nursing, engineering, law, etc.) with specific programs. These agencies findings are not included in the profiles.

Associates Degree
A degree that usually requires at least 2 years, but less than 4 years of full time equivalent college courses.

Award, Certificate, Diploma
Requires completion of an organized program of study of 1 or more full-time equivalent academic years.

Bachelor's Degree
A degree that usually requires at least 4 years, but not more than 5 years of full-time college courses.

Board
The charge made for meals.  The number of meals provided varies by the institution, and by the meal plan. Some institutions combine the room and board charge.  In this case, the combined charge is listed under "Room;" "Board is coded as "$$".

Certificate, Diploma, Award
Requires completion of an organized program of study of 1 or more full-time equivalent academic years.

Cooperative Program
A program that provides for alternate class attendance and employment in business, industry, or government. It allows students to combine actual work experience with their college studies.

Diploma, Award, Certificate
Requires completion of an organized program of study of 1 or more full-time equivalent academic years.

Doctor's Degree
The highest degree a student can earn. This degree requires additional courses beyond those required for the Master's Degree.

Enrollment
The "Enrollment" figure includes full-time and part-time students at the undergraduate, graduate, and others enrolled and working towards a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

First-Professional Degree
This requires completion of the requirements to begin practice of a profession (e.g. Chiropractor (D.C. or D.C.M.), Dentist (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), Theology (M.Div.), Veterinary (D.V.M.), and other similar fields. Also required is at least 2 years of college courses prior to entering this program, plus at least 6 years of combined college and program courses.

Full-Time Student
An undergraduate student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits. A full-time graduate student in enrolled in 9 or more semester credits, or completing thesis or dissertation programs.

Master's Degree
A degree that requires at least 1 year, but not more than 2 years of courses beyond the Bachelor's Degree requirements.

Private For-Profit Institutions
An institution supported or controlled by private individuals or non governmental agencies.  For-Profit institutions are usually operated as a business (i.e. to make a profit).

Private Nonprofit Institutions
An institution supported or controlled by private individuals or non-governmental agencies.  Nonprofit institutions may be independent (having no religious affiliation) or with a religious affiliation (e.g. Catholic, Jewish, Protestant supported).

Public Institutions
An institution whose programs and activities are operated by publicly elected or appointed school officials.  These institutions are supported primarily by public funds (taxes).

Room
The charge a full-time student should expect to pay when sharing a room with one other student.

Tuition and Required Fees
Listed under "Tuition", this is the "in-state" tuition and the required fees a full-time student would expect to pay for a full academic year. "Out-of-state" tuition and fees would generally be higher. Tuition and fees can vary within an institution for different programs and levels of study.