FAFSA & CSS
A new FAFSA form opened December 30, 2023
The CSS Profile opens October 1, 2023
Funds may run out, seniors should apply early!
Resources:
What is FAFSA?
The FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is used to determine your eligibility to receive need-based funds from the US Department of Education's Federal Student Aid Program. Colleges may make decisions on scholarships, grants, and loans from the FAFSA data as well. The office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $120 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to students paying for college or career schools.
Seniors, apply starting December 1, 2023.
Funds can run out, so apply as soon as possible.
It's free to file, so watch out for scams.
FAFSA application deadlines vary by school, so be sure to check their deadlines.
FAFSA application may be required for merit based scholarships
It is recommended that everyone complete the FAFSA -- even if you don't think you'll be granted funds.
What is the CSS/Financial Aid Profile?
The CSS Profile is a financial aid profile produced by the College Board (the SAT people). This online application collects financial information used by almost 400 colleges and universities to award financial aid from sources outside the federal government, such as institutional scholarships, grants, and loans. The College Board will send your application to the colleges and scholarship programs that you designate.
Apply starting October 1 of your senior year of high school.
Funds can run out, so apply as soon as possible.
Check with the schools you are interested in to see if they require the CSS PROFILE.
The CSS PROFILE is more of an all-encompassing snapshot of your family's finances than the FAFSA and requires income information for all parents.
What Information do I need to fill out the FAFSA and/or CSS?
Both the FAFSA and the CSS are in-depth looks at your family finances. Be prepared with complete federal tax returns from the calendar year that your student finished the 10th grade and started the 11th grade (also known as the prior, prior year), records of untaxed income (such as child support or veteran’s benefits), all checking, savings, and investment account information, and information on assets such as homes, businesses, or farms.