Summary

The CSS Profile is an application used to determine eligibility for state and institutional financial aid. Unlike the FAFSA, which is free, the CSS Profile requires a submission fee. However, some students may qualify for a fee waiver based on specific criteria.

✨ Filing the CSS Profile Costs Money

The CSS Profile costs $25 to submit for one school, with an additional charge of $16 per extra school. This means that applying to multiple institutions can become expensive, unlike the FAFSA, which allows students to send their information to multiple schools at no cost. Students are required to submit a new CSS Profile each year they apply for aid.

Takeaways:

• The initial CSS Profile submission costs $25.

• Each additional school costs $16.

• The application must be resubmitted annually for continued aid consideration.

Key Terms

• CSS Profile: A financial aid application used by institutions to determine eligibility for non-federal aid.

• FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which determines eligibility for federal aid programs.

🎉 Who Qualifies for a Fee Waiver?

Some students may qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver, particularly first-year undergraduate applicants whose parents live in the United States. To be eligible, a student must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Takeaways:

• Students who received an SAT fee waiver may qualify.

• Those with a family adjusted gross income up to $100,000 annually are eligible.

• Orphans or wards of the court under the age of 24 may receive a fee waiver.

Key Terms

• Fee Waiver: A provision that removes the cost of submitting the CSS Profile based on financial need.

• Adjusted Gross Income (AGI): The total income minus specific deductions, used to determine financial aid eligibility.

💸 What Does the Fee Waiver Cover?

If a student qualifies for a fee waiver, it covers both the initial $25 application fee and any additional report fees. Eligibility for a waiver is determined during the online payment process when submitting the CSS Profile.

Takeaways:

• A CSS Profile fee waiver eliminates both the initial and additional school fees.

• Eligibility is assessed during the payment process.

Key Terms

• Additional Report Fees: Charges incurred when sending the CSS Profile to multiple institutions.

• Online Payment Process: The digital system where students submit their application fees or qualify for waivers.

Conclusion

While the CSS Profile helps determine eligibility for institutional and state financial aid, it comes with a cost. Students applying to multiple schools should be aware of the potential expenses. However, for those who meet specific income or status requirements, a fee waiver can help eliminate the financial burden.