Office of Student Financial Aid

Common Terms

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  • AppalNet Portal: The AppalNet Portal is the one-stop source for information and resources. You will have direct access to grades, registration information, parking, campus housing, financial aid and account information, including billing and payments. Log in at appalnet.appstate.edu. (Your account information was emailed shortly after your acceptance to Appalachian.)
  • Cost of Attendance (COA):The Cost of Attendance is an estimate designed to help you determine what it may cost to attend Appalachian for an academic year. The COA (sometimes referred to as a “budget”) is not a final bill, but an estimate of educational expenses. This budgeting tool is based on full-time enrollment (12+ hours) and includes direct and indirect costs.
    • Direct costs are billed by the university and include expenses such as tuition, fees, standard room, meal plan, and health insurance. (May opt out if covered under an approved plan).
    • Indirect costs are expenses you will likely incur, but will not pay to the university. Indirect costs vary from student to student and may include off-campus housing, transportation to campus and elective expenses. (Examples include: clothing, food and personal hygiene items).
  • Expected Family Contribution (EFC): A number that your school uses to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible for. It’s not (despite its name) how much your family will have to pay for college.
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): A form completed annually by students to determine their eligibility for student financial aid. The FAFSA opens October 1 each year.
  • Net Cost: An estimate of the actual cost (after aid) that you and your family need to pay in a given year to cover educational expenses. Net cost is determined by taking the institution’s cost of attendance and subtracting any grants and scholarships for which you may be eligible.
  • Parent Access: In accordance with the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), Appalachian and the Office of Student Financial Aid & University Scholarships are not able to provide confidential information pertaining to students unless authorized by the student. Students can authorize access for two parents or guardians through the AppalNet Portal.
  • Scholarships:Financial support based on academic achievement or other criteria that may include financial need.
    • Institutional Scholarships: Each year, the university sets aside more than $4 million for scholarships, with scholarship opportunities available to incoming, current and transfer students.
    • Outside Scholarships: These are offered by outside organizations. There are many outside scholarship resources available – let us help you in your search. Learn more at scholarships.appstate.edu/outside-scholarships.
  • Student Loans:Depending on eligibility, you may be offered two types of federal student loans. Both types of loan offers can vary from year to year and are dependent on FAFSA information, cumulative credit hours earned and student loan borrowing history.
    • Subsidized loans are need-based and do not accrue interest as long as the student is enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.
    • Unsubsidized loans are not considered need-based aid. These loans accrue interest upon disbursement