Filled in FAFSA. Based on EFC, my kid will get no aid. And, based on what I see on this board, even at the “elite” schools, our family won’t get aid. Do I even need to fill out the CSS profile? Should I just withdraw the request for aid? All we’d like to get is the subsidized student loan (5500) and maybe parent loans (although I think we could borrow the money cheaper than 7% if we need it).
just check to make sure your kid’s colleges don’t require the FAFSA and Profile for merit aid consideration as well. Some do for incoming freshman. There are also a very small number of colleges that place restrictions on applying for institutional aid in subsequent years…not too many for U.S. citizens, but there are a few. Check that too.
If you have completed the fafsa, you student will be eligible for the Direct Loan, and you for the Plus, if desired.
Find out what the policy is for future years in case you have a downfall in income. Certainly you do NOT have to fill it out. Many people don’t.
I called each university my S applied to which uses CSS profile to confirm whether or not it was needed for merit scholarships as we do not qualify for need and I don’t want to give out that much information unnecessarily. One did need it for merit so it is good to double chwck.