FAFSA and CSS Profile
FAFSA –
Students and their parents must complete the FAFSA in order to be eligible to receive federal financial aid. Students and parents can request a PIN now (http://pin.ed.gov), but cannot complete the FAFSA until after October 1st each year (this should happen during your senior year).
CSS Profile –
Online application through CollegeBoard that collects information used by almost 400 colleges and scholarship programs to award financial aid from sources outside the federal government. The CSS Profile is an online application that collects information used by nearly 400 colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal aid. (For federal aid you must complete the FAFSA, available Oct. 1) Some colleges may require the CSS Profile from both biological/adoptive parents in cases of divorce or separation.
Students and their parents must complete the FAFSA in order to be eligible to receive federal financial aid. Students and parents can request a PIN now (http://pin.ed.gov), but cannot complete the FAFSA until after October 1st each year (this should happen during your senior year).
CSS Profile –
Online application through CollegeBoard that collects information used by almost 400 colleges and scholarship programs to award financial aid from sources outside the federal government. The CSS Profile is an online application that collects information used by nearly 400 colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal aid. (For federal aid you must complete the FAFSA, available Oct. 1) Some colleges may require the CSS Profile from both biological/adoptive parents in cases of divorce or separation.
Financial Aid & Additional resources
Understanding the financial aid package can be confusing, so you will want to understand a few key words to make it easier. Paying for school can include; grants, scholarships, federal loans, private loans, work study, unsubsidized loans, and subsidized loans. Understanding each grant, loan, or scholarship is essential before you accept and sign your name.
Grants: Financial aid, often based on financial need, that does not need to be repaid unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund. (Federal Student Aid)
Work-Study: A federal student aid program that provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school to help pay your education expenses. (Federal Student Aid)
Loans: All student loans are borrowed funds that you must repay with interest. (Federal Student Aid)
Scholarships: Most scholarships are merit or financial need based. This means that they are awarded to students with certain qualities, such as proven academic or athletic ability, and/or financial need. Many scholarships have rules — maintaining a certain GPA, for example — that you have to follow to continue receiving aid. (CollegeBoard)
More Resources:
Financial Aid TV – Colorado Association of Financial Aid Administrators
Understanding Loans & Grants – Federal Student Aid overview (English & Spanish)
Glossary of Financial Aid Terms – A comprehensive glossary of financial aid terms
Understanding types of loans – Types of loans available and what they mean
Basics of applying to grants and scholarships – Sources and steps to take to start applying for grants and scholarships
Filling out the FAFSA – Tips to help fill out the FAFSA
Grants: Financial aid, often based on financial need, that does not need to be repaid unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund. (Federal Student Aid)
Work-Study: A federal student aid program that provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school to help pay your education expenses. (Federal Student Aid)
Loans: All student loans are borrowed funds that you must repay with interest. (Federal Student Aid)
Scholarships: Most scholarships are merit or financial need based. This means that they are awarded to students with certain qualities, such as proven academic or athletic ability, and/or financial need. Many scholarships have rules — maintaining a certain GPA, for example — that you have to follow to continue receiving aid. (CollegeBoard)
More Resources:
Financial Aid TV – Colorado Association of Financial Aid Administrators
Understanding Loans & Grants – Federal Student Aid overview (English & Spanish)
Glossary of Financial Aid Terms – A comprehensive glossary of financial aid terms
Understanding types of loans – Types of loans available and what they mean
Basics of applying to grants and scholarships – Sources and steps to take to start applying for grants and scholarships
Filling out the FAFSA – Tips to help fill out the FAFSA