If a school requires the CSS, how much is the information in the FAFSA used? The CSS requires much more detailed information than the FAFSA, so I’m wondering if the FAFSA information is even used?
Typically CSS Profile schools require you to fill out the FAFSA to be eligible for Pell Grants and federal loans, but otherwise they will focus on the CSS Profile information, since the questions are somewhat customized to their financial aid criteria.
fafsa is used for federal and state funds (including loans). profile is for institutional funds. schools may likely not give you your complete allocation of aid if you don’t submit either of these.
Most schools that require the Profile also require the FAFSA.
So…you have to submit both if required.
Principia College used to not use FAFSA. Don’t know if that is the case anymore…or not.