Hi CC,
Three of the colleges that I applied to require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA if one is applying for need-based aid (I am) and wants to be considered for institutional aid. Here are the schools that require it:
-The College of William & Mary
-University of Virginia
-Duke University
From experience, have any of you received institutional aid from these schools? Should I expect to receive any if I am a middle-class female? I don’t want to waste money applying.
Thank you!
brainscistudent
Run the Net Price Calculators on each school’s web site- you will put in your family’s specific financial info and it will give you an estimate of how much financial aid you might receive from that school. Note they are less accurate for families who own businesses/self employed, divorced/remarried parents, etc. but it should give you a good idea.
Here is Duke’s, for example https://financialaid.duke.edu/net-price-calculator
What’s your definition of middle class?
Can your parents pay for all four years if you don’t receive any aid?
@brainscistudent
There is absolutely NO WAY anyone here can tell you if YOU will receive need based aid from any of these colleges. Each college has its own formula for computing need based institutional aid, and it is largely based on your parent income…and then assets.
You are instate for Virginia. So for UVA and WM, your calculated family contribution would need to be less than the cost of attendance. Is it?
What was your FAFSA EFC?
Having said all that…if you need institutional aid to attend, you won’t get a dime of it unless you complete the Profile for all three of the colleges you listed.
Yeah, I’m probably just going to fill it out and see what happens. Thank you everyone! I’m not sure what my EFC is yet.
Run the Net Price Calculators on each school’s web site
I applied early decision to a college that does not require the CSS profile. I applied early action to a few other schools in case I don’t get accepted to my first choice. Should I wait to see if I get accepted to my ED choice before I fill out the CSS profile? Why do it if I don’t have to …thoughts???
None of us have any idea where you will be accepted and if your family can afford any of your options. You don’t know where you will be accepted, but you ought to have a reasonable idea at this point of what your family can pay out of pocket per year.
Start there.
@Knl0204 I’m going to reply here…but really…you should next time start a new thread of your own.
If you want a financial aid award in time to make your matriculation decision for May 1, you need to do your financial,aid application forms before you get accepted.
@brainscistudent i would fill it out, even if they don’t give need based aid, they could decide to award scholarships or grants.