Confused about FAFSA/CSS

<p>So I filled out my FAFSA and my EFC is about 051000.
Do I still need to fill out my CSS? I'm pretty sure I won't get anything.
Then again, I heard that some colleges require FAFSA/CSS as a part of the application and for merit-based aid?</p>

<p>Once you complete the FAFSA, does it tell you your EFC? Sorry to piggyback, but we are just starting. Also, we were told that for many schools you must file the FAFSA and (if they use it) the CSS in order to receive any merit aid. Better safe than sorry would be my thought.</p>

<p>Nevermind…my spouse just showed me our EFC. Clearly, they think we can pay more than we think we can pay. But I imagine that happens to most. Sigh.</p>

<p>I’ve heard rumors that some schools require FAFSA to become eligible for merit aid, but I’m not sure that’s true. I’ve never heard that CSS Profile schools require it for merit aid.</p>

<p>Then I get confused again cause some schools, like upenn and princeton have their own financial aid thing</p>

<p>The answer is: it depends. Some schools will require FASA and/or Profile for their merit aid. You have to check with each school. Also if a school is a private with deep pockets, they might give you a small amount of grant aid, even with a high FAFSA EFC like that. They will use a different computation, and depending on your circumstances, might yield a family contribution either higher or possibly lower than the FAFSA EFC. Try the schools’ NPCs and see if it looks like you might get anything, before deciding not to file.</p>

<p>I’d have to check each school’s websites right? I see that CSS Profile says that must colleges require, when they actually don’t</p>

<p>Even checking the web site may not turn up the need to submit FAFSA or Profile for merit aid. You need to contact the FA offices.</p>