Unlocking More College Cash: FAFSA vs. CSS Profile – What You Need to Know

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FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is crucial for obtaining federal student aid and must be completed annually.

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FAFSA for the 2023-24 school year is available now, while the 2024-25 FAFSA will launch in December.

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States and colleges also use FAFSA data to award their own financial aid, so meeting their deadlines is essential.

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International students, though not eligible for federal aid, may need to complete FAFSA for school requirements.

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CSS profile is an additional application for financial aid from colleges and scholarship programs.

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Around 400 colleges, universities, and scholarships use the CSS profile, offering over $9 billion in grants.

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CSS profile is free for domestic undergraduates with family income up to $100,000, with fees for others or fee waivers available.

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FAFSA and CSS profile calculate aid differently, with CSS profile requiring more financial details and flexibility.

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Completing both FAFSA and CSS profile is recommended, as each may provide different opportunities for financial aid. 

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Applying early for both FAFSA and CSS profile can increase your chances of securing more financial assistance for college.

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