What is a CCS profile, and how does it work? If I've already done a FAFSA, is a CCS Profile still necessary? Where can I find help completing a CCS Profile?

Hi Cody.

Applying for financial aid can be very confusing especially when you consider anything other than the FAFSA. So I did a little research on the internet and found the following information courtesy of Nerd Wallet:

What is the CSS profile? The CSS Profile, like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is used to assess your family’s income and assets to calculate your expected family contribution. And colleges use your expected family contribution to determine your financial aid package.

Who should submit a CSS Profile? The schools you’re considering may require the CSS even if you’ve already submitted the FAFSA.

When should I submit a CSS Profile? The CSS Profile for the 2019-20 school year came out October 1, 2018, and each school or program sets its own deadline. But you should submit no later than two weeks before a school’s priority filing date.

What kind of financial aid can I get with CSS Profile vs. the FAFSA? The CSS Profile is used, primarily by private schools and some state universities, to award institutional grants and scholarships to pay for college.The FAFSA can also be used for institutional aid, but its main use is to help you qualify for federal aid, including grants, work-study dollars and student loans.

How much does it cost to submit the CSS profile? The CSS profile, unlike the FAFSA, is not free. It costs $25 to fill out and submit the form to one school. You’ll pay $16 each to submit to additional schools.

Why should I still fill out the FAFSA? The CSS Profile is for institutional aid only, so you’ll still want to submit a FAFSA to get Pell Grants, work-study, scholarships or federal student loans. Learn more about submitting the FAFSA.