Should I fill out FASFA or CSS?

Applying to College
1

Hi all. When I was applying to college, my parents told me to select that we did NOT need financial aid.
Now, they are saying that I need to file out FASFA and CSS so we can get non-federal financial aid. One college in particular said that I need to fill out the CSS for the school’s financial aid. However, when I applied I said I did not need financial aid.

I’m just really confused about this entire process, and my parents did not attend undergrad here. If I said no to financial aid, should I still fill out the FASFA and the CSS? Will I receive aid if I do so?
Thanks all!

2

Fafsa gets you access to a federal loan.
CSS can get you access to need aid if you qualify.

They, not you, should fill out. Check your school’ deadline.

If you want a loan or need aid (grants), fill out. If not, don’t.

Good luck

3

Thank you so much! If my parents make upwards of 250k, would there still be a possibility of need-based aid? I know schools have aid range information on their website but I was wondering if it would still be beneficial.

4

FAFSA determines eligibility for Pell grants, and is needed if you want to take a federal direct loan.

College may use any of the following to calculate their own financial aid:

  • FAFSA only
  • FAFSA + CSS Profile
  • FAFSA + CSS Profile + CSS Noncustodial Profile (if parents are divorced or separated)
  • FAFSA + their own form
  • Their own form only

Some colleges may also require one of the above for merit scholarships partially based on need, or where the award amount is based on need. Some colleges require FAFSA for full ride merit scholarships to ensure that the total amount of scholarship + Pell grant does not exceed the cost of attendance.

So whether to fill in FAFSA, CSS Profile, or any other financial aid form depends on what the colleges you apply to require, if you are looking for any kind of discount off of list price.

4 Likes
5

For each college, check the net price calculator on its web site to get an estimate of financial aid.

1 Like
6

Unlikely but not impossible. Depends on the school.

7

Then you won’t receive any need based aid from the schools you apply to. In this case it won’t matter whether or not you fill out the FAFSA or CSS.

(But you can still file FAFSA to qualify for a federal student loan).

8

You can contact the college(s) and ask them to change that answer to YES regarding financial aid.

But more important…make sure you find out your parent annual price point for college, and make sure you have an affordable option or two on your application list that you would like to attend.

Re: the FAFSA, you can complete that at any time now during the academic year to receive the $5500 Direct Loan.

You need to see how these are done. For the Profile, I believe the student completes their portion first, and then “invites” the parents to complete theirs.

@Mwfan1921

9

I’m not sure, but haven’t worked with a student on it for about three years. Here is a step-by-step video on completing CSS Profile. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31PTmh6nLz0

10

This is awesome. It would be ideal if there existed a comprehensive table of requirements somewhere! (I know… impossible…)

11

@cc88288 every college financial aid section to their website has what that college requires, and uses. Just look up your colleges…and see!