FAFSA question and 3 children

Paying for College FAFSA & CSS Profile
81

Are you saying the income you reported on the profile was higher than what was on the FAFSA. Are you sure you completed the FAFSA correctly?

82

This is a good point and if OP clarified that would help. Do any of the 10 schools require CSS for merit aid ( most don’t)? Did the NCPs show you would get need based aid (although I can’t remember now if you think the NCPs might not be accurate for you)?

83

The OP has stated that their financial situation isn’t typical and the net price calculators won’t be accurate.

I agree that merit is what this poster needs
as it doesn’t factor income and assets into the awarding. Merit aid also doesn’t care how many kids are in college at the same time.

The OP needs to simply find out which colleges require the financial aid forms for merit aid consideration. Maybe ask that question when you call about correcting your profile.

84

Yes, they all want CSS for merit aid too. And yes FAFSA is correct and CSS is not.
FAFSA said report this line on W2 or 1040. CSS said what was your income etc. So we apparently overreported huge amount of money. That what Case figured out that something does not add up. Case does not use IDOC only CSS.

85

I was teasing about the merit schools.

I was saying - slow down.

You’re rushing - the entire time - you can tell from reading your messages.

Don’t just call the school.

Have all your data in front of you. Understand it. Make sure you give a coherent story.

In the end, if I recall, you didn’t think you’d qualify for need aid, so in that sense it’s not a huge deal.

3 Likes
86

It’s good Case found the issue. But, I don’t think Case requires CSS for merit aid, just need based aid.

All students who would like to be considered for need-based financial aid, including students who are not U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents of the United States, must complete the CSS Profile.

I don’t see CSS required for any of these merit scholarships (some require FAFSA):

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87

Are you absolutely sure
or are you guessing they do? Case doesn’t. So that leaves 9 others to check.

I don’t believe Furman requires these forms for merit aid either
but of course, you should check.

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88

But at this point since both CSS and FAFSA have been submitted, likely every financial aid office will note the discrepancy and will contact the OP for clarification.

89

This is on the Case site
made me think
they must be need aware to make this statement. Your thoughts?

Applications for admission for students who indicate they wish to be considered for financial aid will not be considered complete until the necessary financial aid documents are completed.

90

Yes, Case is need aware and meets full demonstrated need for domestic students.

91

Can you give one or two examples of colleges that require CSS Profile for merit aid?

92

Maybe they just don’t want to waste their time reviewing those applications if the student/family never submits the FA forms.