🏫 College Advising

What is a primary distinction between the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile?

A The FAFSA collects income data, while the CSS Profile does not.
B The FAFSA is primarily used to determine eligibility for federal aid, while the CSS Profile is often required for institutional aid from specific colleges.
C The FAFSA requires parental financial information for all students, while the CSS Profile only requires it for dependent students.
D The FAFSA is required for graduate students, but the CSS Profile is exclusively for undergraduate applicants.

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal student aid, whereas the CSS Profile is an additional application some colleges (often private) use to award their own institutional grants and scholarships, requiring more detailed financial information.

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