By Stage
Academic vs. Cohort Years and Terms
Data files are used to submit data through the PDP. They must include all of the necessary information and be properly formatted in order to be validated and processed by The Clearinghouse.
Academic vs. Cohort Years and Terms
Academic Years and Terms
An academic year is similar to a calendar year. It includes four terms and begins with the fall term.
For example, the 2021-22 academic year includes the following academic terms:
- Fall 2021
- Winter 2021
- Spring 2022
- Summer 2022
The PDP considers summer a lagging term. Be sure to align your terms accordingly.
The PDP uses the Academic Year and Term fields in the course data file to determine when a student was enrolled in a course. It uses the Academic Year field in the financial aid data file to determine the year of the financial aid record.
Cohort Years and Terms
A student’s cohort year and cohort term are the academic year and term in which the student first enrolled at your institution. For example, a student who enrolled in the fall term of the 2020-21 academic year has a cohort term of fall and a cohort year of 2020-21. A student’s cohort year and term do not change unless the student is re-admitted.