What’s the Difference Between the FAFSA and CSS Profile?

College is expensive, but there are ways to get free money* for tuition and related education expenses – including the CSS profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While these applications have some overlap, there are some notable differences you’ll need to know before you complete them. Below, we outline what you need to know about both the CSS profile and FAFSA.

What Is the FAFSA?

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form released by the United States Department of Education. The government uses it to determine federal student loan, Pell grant, and other federal aid eligibility. A majority of colleges and universities also use the FAFSA information to determine institutional financial aid packages for their accepted students.

What Is the CSS Profile?

The CSS Profile is also an application for financial aid, but it was created by the College Board. More than 300 colleges and universities require the CSS profile to apply for their financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, and more. Students can find the full list of participating colleges here.

FAFSA vs. CSS Profile

Both the FAFSA and CSS Profile require you to share your financial information in order to enter into the running for various programs. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about both:

• Release Date: The FAFSA and CSS Profile are usually released on October 1 each year for the following award year. It’s a good idea to check the FAFSA website often as dates can change each year.
• School list limit: Students can list up to 20 schools at a time on their FAFSA. There’s no limit for the CSS Profile.
• Cost: While the FAFSA is free, the CSS Profile charges $25 for the initial institution and $16 for each additional school. Fee waivers are available.
• Information required: While both the FAFSA and CSS Profile require financial information, the CSS Profile requires more of the two. You’ll be asked for details on medical expenses, home equity, and more. For the FAFSA, you can give them permission to view your recent taxes.
• Aid determination: The applications use slightly different formulas to determine financial aid eligibility. For example, the CSS profile weighs assets more heavily than the FAFSA.
• Available financial aid: If you wish to apply for federal aid, including federal student loans, you have to complete the FAFSA. States and schools also use the FAFSA to determine aid packages. The CSS Profile is only for institutional aid.
• School requirements: A majority of institutions accept the FAFSA. Some, however, require the CSS Profile. Students can see a full list of participating schools on the CSS Profile website.
• Application submissions: Students can complete the FAFSA on the Federal Student Aid website or the CSS Profile on the CSS Profile website.

Should You Complete Both the FAFSA and CSS Profile?

Students should complete the FAFSA every year, even if they weren’t eligible for grants or scholarships the year before. Aid limits and availability programs are constantly changing each year, and even though you didn’t receive anything last year, it doesn’t mean you won’t receive an offer this year. Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible to increase your chances of receiving institutional grants and scholarships.

Only students who are applying to participating colleges, universities, and institutions need to complete the CSS Profile if they’re interested in institutional grant aid. If no schools on your list require the application, there’s no point in submitting it. Like the FAFSA, complete the CSS Profile each year to check eligibility.

You should complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile if you’re applying to even one college that requires the CSS Profile.

To help keep track of which schools that you are applying to use the CSS profile (and what the deadlines are), download this financial aid tracker worksheet.

When Should You Submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile?

Whether you’re submitting the FAFSA, CSS Profile, or both, you should submit your application as soon as possible. Some schools and states recommend completing them right after they become available as some scholarship funds run out quickly.

However, each college has different deadlines for the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Due dates can vary depending on how you’re applying to the institution, such as early action vs. regular decision. If you submit your form too late, you might not receive a financial aid package from the school.

Applying for federal, institutional, and state financial aid can help make college more affordable. Complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile as soon as they become available to increase your chances of receiving financial aid. Note: you should only complete the CSS Profile if a school you’re interested in participates in the program.

Financial aid applications aren’t the only ways to get free money*. Did you know that there are millions of dollars up for grabs in scholarships? We make it easy to find these awards, too. Simply sign up to use our Scholarship Database and uncover scholarships you qualify for today.

*While a scholarship does not have to be repaid, there may be other obligations associated with the scholarship.

 

Lender	Rates (APR)	Eligibility
	5.34%-15.96%* Variable 3.99%-15.61%* Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT CITIZENS
	4.92% - 15.08% Variable 3.99% - 15.49% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT SALLIE MAE
	4.50% - 17.99% Variable 3.49% - 17.99% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT CREDIBLE
	6.00% - 13.75% Variable 3.99% - 13.75% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT LENDKEY
	5.50% - 14.56% Variable 3.69% - 14.41% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT ASCENT
	3.70% - 8.75% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT ISL
	4.99% - 16.85% Variable 3.47% - 16.49% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT EARNEST
	5.00% - 14.22% Variable 3.69% - 14.22% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT ELFI

College Raptor is not a loan lender and does not assume responsibility for suggesting a loan to a user who may not be eligible for it. Rates, terms, conditions, eligibility, approval, and other considerations are the decisions of the lenders and may vary depending on which lender or marketplace the user selects. We urge users to carefully consider and review all loan options and terms before committing to taking out a loan.