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Isn't the FAFSA all you need?

Also, why is the CSS Profile so expensive? It's $18 for every school you send to...

By Morgantruce (Morgantruce) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 04:06 pm: Edit

Some schools require just the FAFSA. Other schools require the FAFSA AND the CSS Profile.

The CSS is slightly different. No matter.... it helps those colleges figure out how they will hep you. It is unfortunate that it costs whatit does. They are asking you for money----when it is YOU that needs the money.

There's more. If you go to a college that requires the CSS---the college wants it EVERY year! It will cost you money every year to apply for aid!

Good news: The College Board does offer to waive those fees if you meet certain low-income guidelines. You have to get a form from your counselor----who might not be aware of the program. I think it's good for up to four colleges, but only for the first year----after that you have to pay. I think it follows the same guidelines as appplication fee waivers----if you qualify for those you qualify for CSS waiver.