What is the CSS Profile?
The CSS PROFILE is required by many private colleges and universities to determine your eligibility for non-government financial aid, such as the institution's own grants, loans and scholarships.
Link:cssprofile.collegeboard.org/
Link:cssprofile.collegeboard.org/
What is the difference between the CSS Profile and the FAFSA?
The biggest differences between the CSS PROFILE and the FAFSA are:
- Submission dates: The CSS PROFILE can be submitted in the fall; The CSS PROFILE can be submitted in the fall; and beginning in 2016 the FAFSA can be submitted as early as October 1st.
- Specific questions: The CSS PROFILE contains questions specific to the school or program you're applying to; FAFSA contains the same questions for everyone.
- Different methodology: The CSS PROFILE determines your financial need differently than the FAFSA, taking into account such factors as whether your family owns a home. In general, the CSS PROFILE asks for more detailed information than FAFSA.
- Minimum student contribution: The CSS PROFILE requires this; the FAFSA doesn't.
- Greater reliance on professional judgment: The CSS PROFILE gives financial aid counselors greater freedom to grant aid based on a student's particular circumstances.
- Cost: There is a cost to filling out the CSS Profile, though some families may qualify for fee waivers; the FAFSA, as the name implies, is free.
Which schools require it?
You can find the list of schools that require a CSS below:
profile.collegeboard.org/profile/ppi/participatingInstitutions.aspx
profile.collegeboard.org/profile/ppi/participatingInstitutions.aspx