2016 FactBook: A Profile of Career Colleges and Universities
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Risk characteristics: Student characteristics
that identify a student who might be at risk of
dropping out or failing to complete an education
program. These factors are defined by the
U.S. Department of Education as: delayed
enrollment (did not enter postsecondary
education in the same calendar year that he/
she finished high school); part-time attendance
during at least half of the academic year; works
35 or more hours per week while enrolled;
financially independent; has dependents other
than a spouse; is a single parent; does not have
a high school diploma.
Rolling admissions: Admitting students to
programs of study at various times during
the year, as compared with the fall/spring
enrollment pattern of traditional two-year
and four-year institutions.
Stafford Loans: A federal student loan program
for students at higher education institutions.
These loans are offered at lower interest rates
than private loans.
Title IV-eligible postsecondary institutions:
Those institutions that are allowed to provide
federal financial aid to their students. To provide
aid, an institution must be accredited by a national
or regional accrediting agency that is approved by
the U.S. Department of Education. This publication
includes Title IV-eligible institutions only.
