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When applying for financial aid to fund their college educations, students and their parents are often introduced to words they’d never heard of before. To help you learn the lingo, here are definitions of important financial aid terms, plus information about different ways to pay for college.

Award Letter

A financial aid award letter goes by a few different names: merit letter, award letter, a financial aid offer, or a financial aid package. But no matter what you call it, once a student fills out a FAFSA, they’ll receive one of these letters from each college that accepts them. A typical letter will list a student’s cost of attendance, expected family contribution, awarded grants and scholarships, work-study details, and federal student loans. Many schools now provide this information electronically.

Bursar, Student Accounts, or Student Financial Services

The bursar is the office responsible for managing student billing and payments at a college or university. This department handles tuition, fees, and other charges, ensuring that students’ accounts are up to date.

The student accounts office oversees the financial records of enrolled students, including tuition payments, fees, and any outstanding balances. This office ensures that students meet their financial obligations and may assist with setting up payment plans, issuing statements, and explaining charges on a student’s account.

Student financial services is a broader department that combines financial aid, student accounts, and sometimes the bursar’s office to provide comprehensive support. This office helps students understand financial aid packages, manage tuition payments, and explore funding options such as scholarships, grants, and loans.

Cost of Attendance

A student’s cost of attendance (COA) is the total of all costs to attend college in a given year. This includes tuition, room and board, book and supplies, loan fees, costs associated with studying abroad or managing a disability, and more.

The COA is different from an invoice a college may send a student, which is more comprehensive. The COA figure is used to determine how much financial aid a student may be eligible to receive. Anyone who receives a form of financial assistance is not responsible for paying the full COA.

CSS Profile

The CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) is an online financial aid application used by many colleges, universities, and scholarship programs to determine a student’s eligibility for nonfederal financial aid. Unlike the FAFSA, which is used for federal aid, the CSS Profile provides a more detailed analysis of a family’s financial situation, including income, assets, and expenses. Administered by the College Board, the application helps institutions award need-based grants, scholarships, and institutional aid.

Demonstrated Need

Demonstrated need is the difference between the cost of attendance (COA) at a college or university and a student’s Student Aid Index (SAI), as determined by financial aid applications like the FAFSA or CSS Profile.

Schools use this figure to determine a student’s eligibility for need-based financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and subsidized loans. The higher the demonstrated need, the more financial assistance a student may qualify for, though the amount awarded varies by institution and available funding.

Enrollment Status

Enrollment status refers to a student’s classification based on the number of credit hours they are taking in a given academic term, which can affect financial aid eligibility, loan repayment, and other benefits.

Common statuses include full-time, half-time, and part-time, with full-time students typically taking at least 12 credit hours per semester.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

FAFSA is the official government form that students must fill out to be eligible for federal student loans and grants. Filling the FAFSA out does not guarantee that a student will receive aid, but it must be completed annually in order to be considered for the upcoming academic year. The information provided will be used to calculate a student’s Student Aid Index (below).

Recommended: Who Qualifies for FAFSA? Find Out if You Do

FAFSA Submission Summary

FAFSA submission summary (formerly known as the Student Aid Report or SAR) is a document provided to students after they submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It summarizes the information reported on the FAFSA, includes the Student Aid Index (SAI), and indicates potential eligibility for federal financial aid.

Financial Aid

Financial aid refers to funding provided to students to help cover the cost of higher education, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. It can come from various sources, such as the federal government, state agencies, colleges, and private organizations.

Recommended: FAFSA Grants and Other Types of Financial Aid

Financial Aid Office

The financial aid office is a department within a college or university that assists students in understanding, applying for, and managing financial aid. It provides guidance on available aid options, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. The office helps students complete required forms like the FAFSA and CSS Profile, determines eligibility for aid, and processes disbursements.

Financial Aid Officer

A financial aid officer is a professional at a college or university who helps students and families navigate the financial aid process. They assist with completing applications like the FAFSA and CSS Profile, determine eligibility for grants, scholarships, and loans, and provide guidance on payment options.

Financial aid officers also explain award packages, help students understand borrowing responsibilities, and offer advice on managing education costs.

529 Savings Plan

A 529 savings plan is a tax-advantaged investment account designed to help families save for future education expenses. Contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified education costs — such as tuition, fees, books, and room and board — are also tax-free. These plans are sponsored by states, educational institutions, or agencies, but funds can typically be used at eligible schools nationwide.

Grant

Grants are used to help fund a qualifying student’s college education, and unlike loans, they typically don’t need to be paid back. They are often based on financial need and are available from private and public organizations. Some grants have criteria that a student must meet, such as maintaining a certain grade point average or declaring a certain major.

Loan

A student loan is a type of financial aid designed to help students cover the costs of higher education, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. These loans can come from federal or private lenders, with federal loans typically offering lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options.

Recommended: Private Student Loans

Merit Aid

Merit-based assistance is based upon a student’s abilities and accomplishments. This can include their grade point average, athletic achievements, or another skill. Financial need is not typically taken into account. Students generally receive merit-based aid directly from the college.

Need-Based Financial Aid

Need-based assistance is provided to students based on their financial needs, and is commonly offered by federal and state governments, colleges, and other organizations. There are three types of federally granted need-based financial aid: Pell Grants, work-study programs, and Subsidized Direct Student Loans.

To qualify for federal need-based aid, a student must fill out the FAFSA. Colleges may require additional information for non-federal aid. Simply applying for need-based aid does not mean a student will receive it, though applying early may potentially improve their chances.

Need-Blind Admission

Need-blind admission is a policy used by some colleges and universities where an applicant’s financial need is not considered during the admissions process. This means that students are admitted based on their academic qualifications and achievements, without regard to their ability to pay for tuition or other expenses.

Schools with a need-blind policy often provide financial aid packages to help cover the cost of attendance for admitted students, regardless of their financial background. This approach aims to ensure that all qualified applicants, regardless of financial resources, have equal access to higher education.

Net Price

The net price of college refers to the amount a student and their family will actually pay for college after accounting for financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Unlike the sticker price or listed tuition fees, the net price subtracts any aid offered by the school, making it a more accurate reflection of the cost a student will need to cover.

Net Price Calculator

A net price calculator is an online tool provided by colleges and universities to help prospective students estimate the amount they may need to pay for college after financial aid is applied. By inputting financial information, such as family income, assets, and other relevant details, students can receive an estimate of their net price, including tuition, fees, and potential financial assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, and work-study.

Outside Scholarship

An outside scholarship is a financial award for education that comes from sources other than the college or university a student plans to attend. These scholarships can be offered by private organizations, foundations, corporations, or government agencies and are typically based on criteria such as academic achievement, community service, or specific interests.

Recommended: SoFi’s Scholarship Search Tool

Priority Date

A priority date refers to the deadline set by colleges or financial aid programs for submitting the FAFSA or other required financial aid forms to receive maximum consideration for aid. Students who apply by the priority date are more likely to qualify for limited funding sources, such as grants, scholarships, or work-study opportunities.

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a college-based program that prepares students for military service as commissioned officers while allowing them to earn a degree. ROTC programs are available for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and students typically commit to military service after graduation in exchange for financial assistance.

ROTC can significantly reduce or eliminate student loan debt by providing scholarships that cover tuition, fees, and sometimes room and board. Additionally, ROTC graduates who serve in the military may qualify for student loan repayment programs, where a portion of their loans is paid off in exchange for active-duty service.

Recommended: Does ROTC Pay for College?

Residency Requirements

Residency requirements refer to the criteria a student must meet to be considered a resident of a particular state for tuition and financial aid purposes. These requirements vary by state and typically include factors such as the length of time a student has lived in the state, proof of permanent residency (e.g., driver’s license, voter registration), and financial independence from out-of-state parents.

Scholarship

A scholarship is a type of funding awarded to students to help them pay for a college education. They are available through federal and state government sources, colleges, private and public organizations, and more.

Unlike loans, scholarships typically don’t need to be repaid. They can be based on need or merit, or a combination of the two. There is a wide range of scholarship possibilities, so it can be worthwhile for the student to research their options and apply for ones that seem to be a good match.

Recommended: Finding Scholarships for Current College Students

Student Aid Index (SAI)

The Student Aid Index (SAI), formerly Expected Family Contribution, is a number colleges use to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid. It’s calculated using a formula that considers a family’s income, savings, investments, benefits, family size, and more.

Recommended: How the Middle Class Affords College

Transcript

A transcript is an official record of a student’s academic performance and coursework completed at a school, college, or university. It typically includes details such as courses taken, grades received, credit hours earned, and cumulative GPA.

There are two types of transcripts: Official and unofficial. An official transcript is a certified record of a student’s academic history, issued by the school with an official seal or signature, often sent directly to institutions or employers. An unofficial transcript contains the same information but lacks official authentication and is typically used for personal reference.

Undergraduate

An undergraduate is a student who is pursuing a postsecondary education program that leads to an associate or bachelor’s degree. Undergraduates typically complete general education courses along with coursework specific to their chosen major. Unlike graduate students, they have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree and are in the early stages of higher education.

Work-Study

The federal government’s work-study program provides college students who have demonstrable financial need with part-time jobs to help them earn money for their college education. The program attempts to match a student with work in their area of study or in jobs that benefit the community. Students who are interested in this program should check with their colleges of choice to see if they participate.

Private Student Loans at SoFi

When it comes to how to pay for college, it helps to understand all the available options and how they may be combined. Students and their parents may have money to contribute to help cover the expenses. Scholarships and grants can reduce the bill and typically don’t need to be paid back, while work-study opportunities allow students to earn money to cover some expenses while in college. And lastly, students can rely on both federal and private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What is a cosigner?

A cosigner helps assure lenders that someone will pay back the loan. Their income and financial history are factored into the loan decision, and their positive credit standing can benefit the student’s loan application.

What’s the difference between a student loan lender and a student loan servicer?

Lenders lend borrowers money to help cover school-related costs. Servicers send borrowers their monthly bill, process payments, field customer service requests, and handle other administrative tasks.

How do I calculate my college costs?

There are several online tools to help students estimate the potential cost of attending college. Net price calculators, for instance, are available on a school’s website and give cost estimates based on basic personal and financial information provided by the student.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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SOISL-Q125-016

What is the S&P 500 index? An exploration into the popular market index, along with a look at ways to invest in the S&P 500.

Investing in alcohol stocks may be appealing to some investors, as alcohol is not only a consumer staple with steady demand, it’s generally considered a recession-proof industry. That doesn’t necessarily translate into stock performance, of course, but it can be one reason that investors find alcohol stocks appealing.

Nonetheless, investing in alcohol stocks can have its drawbacks. Some investors may be turned off by the industry itself. And there are risks that can affect the alcohol industry, too, such as supply chain issues, or even political and societal changes. Don’t forget that during the Prohibition Era in the United States (1920 to 1933), it was illegal to manufacture, transport, or sell alcohol for consumption.

Overview of the Alcohol Industry

The alcohol industry is large, worth about $2.3 trillion as of 2024. It’s also projected to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.74% each year between 2025 and 2032. As a point of comparison, the global pharmaceutical industry is worth about $1.6 trillion as of 2023.

A Broad Sector

The industry itself consists of different types of companies and sub-industries. For instance, there are myriad types of alcoholic beverages, the companies that produce them, and the companies that distribute them.

Alcoholic beverages include beer, wine, ciders, spirits (hard liquor), hard seltzers, and more. Ready-to-drink (RTD) products are proving to be a growth area, with pre-made canned cocktails that combine different beverages and flavors with wines or spirits or ciders gaining market share.

The popularity of certain beverages tends to vary by region. Beer might be more popular among consumers in a place like Wisconsin, with its history of brewing, while wine may be more popular among drinkers in Northern California, owing to its focus on wine production.

Alcohol-Related Investments

The industry as a whole also depends on a network of alcohol-adjacent companies that might appeal to investors. In addition to brewers and alcohol producers, there are companies that distribute beverages or products. There are retail stores that sell them. And there are countless companies in between, too, that do marketing, product development, or other types of work for alcohol companies.

For investors interested in alcohol stocks, that means there’s plenty of opportunity to invest in the industry.

Consumer Staple or Luxury Goods?

Alcohol stocks, although a type of sin stock or vice stock, are generally considered a consumer staple. Because demand is generally steady for alcohol products, even in a recession, alcohol stocks have some of the qualities of other non-cyclical consumer goods like bread or shampoo.

But alcohol purchases also fall under discretionary spending, and as such some alcohol investments can be considered a luxury good.

Types of Alcohol Stocks

As noted, there are many different types of stocks in the alcohol industry. Those include large, multinational corporations, small craft breweries or distilleries, alcohol marketing and distribution companies, equipment manufacturers, and more.

Large Multinational Corporations

The biggest corporations involved in the alcohol industry can encompass a variety of functions. Some, for instance, may produce alcoholic beverages and distribute them as well. But the main thing to know about companies in this category is that they tend to be publicly held stocks with larger market capitalizations — large- or mega-cap stocks — with branches all over the world.

Craft Breweries and Distilleries

Craft breweries and distilleries consist of stocks that are generally smaller, though many craft brewers have been absorbed into larger companies. But generally, these would likely be small-cap stocks in the alcohol production industry.

Alcohol Distribution Companies

Stocks of alcohol distribution companies would involve companies that move alcoholic beverages from one place to another — generally, from a company producing the beverages to the retailer or wholesaler selling them to businesses or the public.

In other words, these are companies involved in the alcohol supply chain, and can include packaging, shipping, and delivery companies.

Factors Influencing Alcohol Stocks

Since alcohol is a regulated substance, and that regulation differs from country to country (and from state to state), there can be a number of factors that influence alcohol stocks’ valuation from a legal perspective.

For instance, in some states, you can buy a six-pack of beer at a convenience store. In other states, that’s against the law; you’d need to buy beer at a designated alcohol retailer, like a liquor store or beer distributor. With that in mind, those rules and regulations can change, too, and that means that political or regulatory changes could potentially have an effect on alcohol stocks.

Economic Impacts

There are also economic factors to take into consideration. As noted, alcohol has sometimes been called a recession-proof industry, since consumption tends to be steady over time. But significant events, like the Covid-19 pandemic, can dramatically increase or decrease consumption.

In addition, companies involved in the alcohol sector can and do feel the effects of the overall economy. So, if there’s an economic downturn of some kind, there’s a chance that these stocks could see their valuations affected as well.

Consumer Trends

Changing consumer tastes are also something that affects the alcohol industry. That includes the types of drinks that people are buying. Ciders and alcoholic seltzers have become popular in recent years, as an example, in addition to pre-made cocktails and other RTD products.

Demographics can also introduce new factors into the alcohol stocks market. For example, younger Americans (Gen Zers) are drinking less than previous generations — which is something that alcohol companies will need to take into consideration, unless the trend reverts.

Pros of Investing in Alcohol Stocks

For thinking about investing in stocks in the industry, there can be some upsides to adding alcohol stocks to your portfolio. Those can include the potential recession-resistant nature of these stocks, as mentioned above, in addition to brand loyalty, and potential growth in emerging markets.

Steady Consumption

As discussed, like many consumer staples the consumption of alcohol tends to be constant. In addition, there is some truth to the notion that consumers like to drink when times are good and also when times are tough. But it’s not necessarily true that these stocks will be safe havens during economic downturns.

Alcohol stocks may perform better than stocks in other categories during a recession, but there is no guarantee that will happen. This sector is subject to its own risk factors, including ingredient costs, consumer trends, political issues, and more.

Brand Loyalty and Pricing Power

Some consumers exhibit high levels of loyalty to certain brands of liquor, beer, and wine. In fact, research shows that alcohol is one category of consumer goods in which consumers tend to be highly loyal to certain brands.

That can be a good thing for investors to keep in mind, as brand loyalty often translates to sales — but not always.

Potential for Growth in Emerging Markets

There’s also the potential that alcohol companies could find traction, and revenue, in emerging markets. For instance, in recent years, it’s expected that countries like India, China, Brazil, and Mexico will see demand for alcohol beverages increase, which could lead to more sales for alcohol companies — and potentially, returns for investors.

Again, it’s important to bear in mind the inherent risks in any emerging market, which can include political or economic upheaval that may roil markets or impact local consumption of consumer goods.

Cons and Risks

While there are potential benefits to investing in alcohol stocks, there are drawbacks, too. Here’s a rundown.

Regulatory and Legal Challenges

As previously discussed, there are many local, state, and federal regulations that govern the production and sale of alcohol. Those rules differ from place to place, and can take a variety of forms: some dictate how and where alcohol can be sold, for instance, and in some places, there are certain times of the day or week where alcohol sales are prohibited.

In some cases, an entire town may be legally “dry” — and alcohol cannot be sold there (but may be available in a neighboring vicinity).

Depending on the type of alcohol investments being considered, understanding the implications of local laws is important.

Changing Consumer Preferences

Also as discussed, consumer tastes wax and wane — and if some start moving away from drinking alcohol for one reason or another, there could be an effect on the industry at large, and investors. That doesn’t mean that alcohol companies can’t pivot, of course, but keeping up with current consumer demands can and will eat up resources, too, potentially affecting investors.

Competition and Market Saturation

There are myriad alcohol companies out there, big and small. No matter where you are, for example, you’re probably not too far from a bar, a store that sells beer, or some other way to get your hands on a drink.

In other words: the alcohol market is big, and it’s saturated. That can mean there isn’t a whole lot of room for alcohol stocks to grow.

Top Alcohol Stocks to Consider

While there are many alcohol stocks on the market, here are the five biggest U.S. companies by market cap:

•   Anheuser-Busch Inbev: The maker of popular brands such as Budweiser, Corona Extra, and Michelob.

•   Heineken: Makes Heineken, Amstel, and more.

•   Constellation Brands: Produces a wide variety of beer, wine, and spirits.

•   Diageo: Makes spirits such as Captain Morgan, Johnnie Walker, and Smirnoff.

•   Brown-Forman: Produces spirits such as Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve.

💡 Quick Tip: It’s smart to invest in a range of assets so that you’re not overly reliant on any one company or market to do well. For example, by investing in different sectors you can add diversification to your portfolio, which may help mitigate some risk factors over time.

How to Invest in Alcohol Stocks

As far as actually investing in alcohol stocks goes, it’s not much different than investing in any other type of stock. There are a few ways to add alcohol stocks to your portfolio.

Direct Stock Purchase

You can buy alcohol stocks directly and add them to your portfolio, for starters. That means firing up an existing brokerage account, or opening a new one through a brokerage, choosing the specific alcohol stocks you want to buy, and purchasing some shares (read more about the difference between shares vs. stocks).

ETFs and Mutual Funds Focused on Alcohol

Investors can also add alcohol stocks to their portfolios by purchasing certain ETFs (exchange-traded funds) or mutual funds.

These types of funds can focus or specialize in specific industries, such as the alcohol sector. Investing in mutual funds or ETFs may also be a way to hedge risk when investing in the sector, as funds tend to have a degree of built-in diversification. Not that alcohol stocks are high-risk investments necessarily, but for more cautious investors, funds may be worth checking out.

Analyzing Alcohol Stocks

Doing your homework before buying stocks is important if you’re hoping to maximize your returns, or at least not lose your initial investment. While there’s no guarantee that you won’t, you can do some basic research and due diligence on the stocks that you’re thinking of investing in.

That may include doing some fundamental research, such as checking out the financial metrics and earnings reports of specific companies. It can also involve looking at the overarching trends and risks affecting the industry, too.

Ethical Considerations

There may also be ethical concerns that investors need to contend with as well when thinking about investing in alcohol stocks. Alcohol is a dangerous substance — it’s addictive, is associated with diseases and negative health effects, and more. There’s a reason that it’s regulated.

As such, some investors may not be comfortable with adding alcohol companies to their portfolios.

The Takeaway

Investing in alcohol stocks may be a way to diversify your portfolio, but investors should be aware that there are some unique risks (and potential benefits) to investing in the sector. There may also be ethical considerations investors want to think about as well, though that’ll depend on their individual preferences.

Invest in what matters most to you with SoFi Active Invest. In a self-directed account provided by SoFi Securities, you can trade stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, options, and more — all while paying $0 commission on every trade. Other fees may apply. Whether you want to trade after-hours or manage your portfolio using real-time stock insights and analyst ratings, you can invest your way in SoFi's easy-to-use mobile app.

FAQ

How do economic downturns typically affect alcohol stocks?

Economic downturns may see alcohol companies’ shares lose value, but they may not lose as much value as other types of stocks, since consumers tend to buy alcohol no matter the prevailing economic conditions. There are no guarantees, though, that past trends would continue during future downcycles.

What are the main subsectors within the alcohol industry for investors?

Investors may consider investing in companies that produce the main types of alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, or spirits.

How do changing consumer preferences impact alcohol stock performance?

Consumers’ preference can and do change, and that may affect alcohol stock performance in that sales may dip or increase. Further, if companies need to pivot into different products, that may eat up additional resources, affecting stock performance as well.

Photo credit: iStock/mihailomilovanovic