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What is the CSS Profile? How does it differ from FAFSA? Can you submit both and send it to colleges?

By Thumper1 (Thumper1) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 08:21 pm: Edit

The CSS Profile is another way for colleges to assess student need for financial aid. Some colleges require it to be filed in addition to the FAFSA. The colleges to which you apply should indicate whether or not they require the Profile (some do and some don't). If they require it, you must send it. They will not process your aid application without it if it is required. If they do not require it, they will not review it if you send it. To my knowledge, all colleges require the FAFSA for need based aid. Also, some schools have their finaid questionnaires.

By Collegebound123 (Collegebound123) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 08:34 pm: Edit

Thank you!

By Sybbie719 (Sybbie719) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 08:40 pm: Edit

To add ot what Thumper said...

The FAFSA is bvasically used for federal funds (Pell, subsidized student loans) the CSS is used mostly by private schools with institutional funds to use for Financial aid.

While the FAFSA looks at you over all , How much money you made, taxes paid., the CSS profile gives a more comprehensive view of your financial picture.