🏫 College Advising

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

A FAFSA is for federal aid only, while the CSS Profile is used by some private institutions for institutional aid.
B FAFSA collects parent income, while the CSS Profile only considers student income.
C FAFSA is required for merit scholarships, while the CSS Profile is for need-based grants.
D FAFSA is only for state universities, and the CSS Profile is for out-of-state universities.

✓ Correct Answer: Option A

FAFSA determines eligibility for federal student aid, including grants, loans, and work-study. The CSS Profile is used by many private colleges to award their own institutional need-based aid, often requiring more detailed financial information.

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