When it comes to college financial aid, much of the attention (especially this year) is on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, many private colleges and universities use another form, administered by the College Board, called the CSS Profile.

The CSS Profile provides a more complete picture of the family’s financial picture to assist colleges and universities in awarding limited financial resources most equitably.  Many private colleges and universities use this form when determining the amount of institutional dollars to award families.

This session will examine the CSS Profile in depth. We will begin with a basic overview and review its main components. We will then use specific examples to highlight the major income and asset drivers of the CSS Profile and how they compare to/differ from the FAFSA form. Finally, we will discuss how planners can use this information when advising their clients preparing to complete the CSS Profile.

By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Identify the critical components of the CSS Profile.
• Understand how the CSS Profile differs from the FAFSA form.
• Help clients recognize how certain income/asset elements could impact their financial aid eligibility.