What is the difference between CSS profile and FAFSA? I am starting to apply for financial aid, but some schools say to complete the CSS profile along with the FAFSA. Do you have to to both for all schools, or do some schools only want you to do FAFSA?
The schools I am applying for financial aid are as follows: University of Minnesota TC (haven’t been accepted yet but will fill out after I am), St. Olaf, Creighton University, St Johns in MN, St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, and Drake University. Can you tell me what I have to complete for each of these schools?
Thank you
You have to look up each school’s requirement. You can rely on others to do your research, but then you get what you pay for (nothing), and it’s really no cost to US if we are wrong. You are responsible.
The FAFSA is the federal application. Almost all schools require it to see if you are eligible for federal aid before they start giving you their own aid. Many of the private schools also require the CSS. It is a more detailed financial picture for them to award their own aid.
All schools will have what is required and when the deadlines are for FA on their web sites. The deadlines are almost always before you are accepted. If you want FA, you need to meet these deadlines.
Don’t wait until after you are accepted to complete your financial aid application forms. Get them done ASAP. If you delay, you might not have a financial aid award by the time you need to make,your matriculation decision by May 1. In addition, many schools have deadlines for awarding institutional need based financial aid. If you want this, you can’t miss the school deadlnes.
As noted by a poster above…all of the require submissions and deadlines will be in the financial aid sections of the college websites. Since the required submissions, and deadline vary from school to,school, you really need to find these out, and note them yourself for YOUR colleges. Makes sure all submissions are completed by or before the deadlines.
As thumper said, do the FAFSA right away. All schools will need it and it can certainly help you to get it to them ASAP. Make your best guess as to income if you don’t have your tax forms together yet and then go back after you file your taxes and link that to the FAFSA.