Do they spread the cost of a superficial education? (4,5)

I believe the answer is:

easy terms

'do they spread the cost' is the definition.
(means of spreading payments on something)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for easy terms that I've seen before include "popular with schoolchildren" , "Debt repayments, perhaps" , "Yes, master (anag.)" , "financial incentives" , "HP description" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app