Chart is from the article found here
"6 Types of Financial Aid to Help You Pay for College." Education Connection. https://www.educationconnection.com/financial-aid/. October 17, 2022.
The CSS Profile is an online application used by colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal institutional aid. For federal aid you must complete the FAFSA, available October 1. For more information regarding the FAFSA. Only certain colleges and universities require the CSS Profile to be considered for need-based financial aid. While many are private institutions, some are public schools.
Check your colleges’ information to determine whether they require the CSS Profile and what their deadline is.
*Note: Some schools may also require divorced or separated parents to complete separate applications.
More Information on CSS Profile
CSS Profile Application
CSS Profile Application Help Video