CSS and noncustodial parent?

No, they do not. UCs as well as CSUs need only FAFSA.

If you want to minimize debt (even federal direct loans of $7,500 per year for junior and senior years), then the choices are likely:

  • CSU that you can commute to.
  • UC if you get a Regents' or similar scholarship that replaces some or all of the student loan and work expectation.
  • CSU or UC otherwise if you earn a lot of money from summer and part time school year work.