CSS Fee Waiver

Paying for College
1

Hey all,
I just completed my CSS profile. I am an independent student, and have submitted the paperwork to all the schools I’ve applied to in order to be considered independent. I am also 25 years old.

I expected to receive a fee waiver upon submission, since I make well under 40,000 a year and did not have to provide my parents’ income. (It wouldn’t have mattered…they don’t make much either)

Does anyone know why I didn’t receive a waiver? The fee is a significant financial burden, which is ironic since that’s the whole reason I am applying for financial aid in the first place.

I sent them an email inquiring about the waiver, but I thought someone might have an answer on here. Thank you in advance!

2

What is your income?

3

https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/professionals/css-financial-aid-profile-fee-waiver-flyer.pdf

here is some info

4

I heard back from them… Apparently only dependent students with parental income under $40,000 get a waiver.
So even though I make under 20,000 and do not report my parents’ income, I don’t qualify for one. Personally, I think it is a ridiculous policy,

5

I don’t know the answer to this…but maybe some colleges offer waivers to independent students.

6

That’s a good idea. I’ll contact the schools in question. Thank you!

7

I was wondering why the above linked pdf didn’t specifically mention independent students.

8

Yeah, me too.

9

Email each college - most of private ones (ie., most likely to need the CSS) offer fee waivers in specific circumstances.