COLLEGE CORNER: FAFSA and CSS Profile

Patrick Avognon

Here is a screen shot from the FASFA webpage. Just click “Start a New FASFA” on Jan. 1 and begin your financial aid journey.

As winter break approaches many high school seniors are in the final stages of completing their college applications and awaiting the decisions of those respective schools.

Applying is only half the headache. Once you get that letter of acceptance, you must take into consideration the costs involved with attending those schools.

Over the past few years, tuition rates around the country have skyrocketed along with the cost of living for college students.

The good news is that there are certain programs that provide students with the tools necessary to get financial assistance for higher education.

The most commonly used system is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or what is usually referred to as FAFSA. FASFA isn’t an application for a single financial aid program, as many think, but more of a gateway to tons of other programs.

Almost every student is eligible for some sort of financial assistance. Most funds associated with FAFSA are on a “first come, first served” basis meaning the people that apply earliest usually tend to get the most help.

Even if you think you won’t necessarily qualify for Federal Aid, it’s still advised that you apply because most schools require it anyway when applying.

The FASFA connects you to four types of financial aid: grants, loans, scholarships, or work studies. To apply, simply visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov and click the “Start A New FAFSA” link. The FAFSA isn’t available for the 2013-2014 school year until Jan. 1.

The second financil program that majority of seniors will be asked to complete is the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile.

This application, unlike the FAFSA, is not free but provides a more in depth look at your financial situation in order to see the largest amount of financial aid you qualify for.

This application is more commonly requested by private universities. It is offered through the College Board, which is also responsible for administering the SAT.

Students who applied to universities through early decision programs most likely submitted a CSS Profile due to the late availability date of the FAFSA.

The cost of your particular CSS Profile  varies depending on a multitude of factors. The application fee is $9 and there is another charge to send it to each colleges.

It’s important to start filling out these applications early, as these are “first come, first served” programs.