While the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid programs, such as Pell Grants and federal student loans, the CSS Profile is specifically designed to gather more detailed financial information from students and their families to assess eligibility for institutional aid and non-federal scholarships.

Here are some key points about the CSS Profile:

Participating Institutions: The CSS Profile is typically required by private colleges and universities, as well as some state institutions and scholarship programs. It is not used by all schools, so students should check the financial aid requirements of each college they are applying to.

Application Process: The CSS Profile is an online application that collects detailed financial information, including income, assets, expenses, and other factors affecting a family's financial situation. Students need to create an account on the College Board website to complete the CSS Profile.

Fee: There is a fee associated with submitting the CSS Profile. The fee covers the processing of the application and the first college or program report. Additional reports to other schools or programs may incur extra charges.

Application Timeline: The CSS Profile becomes available in the fall of each year, and the deadline varies among colleges. Students should check with each institution for their specific CSS Profile deadline.

Need Analysis: The information provided in the CSS Profile is used by the participating colleges to conduct a more in-depth evaluation of the student's financial need. Each school uses this information to determine the types and amounts of institutional aid they can offer to the student.

Non-Custodial Parent Profile: In some cases, the CSS Profile may require non-custodial parents to submit their financial information if the student's parents are divorced or separated. This allows schools to consider both parents' financial situations when calculating aid awards.

It's essential for students to carefully review the financial aid requirements of the colleges they are applying to and complete the CSS Profile if necessary. The CSS Profile can significantly impact the financial aid package offered by each institution, so it's crucial to provide accurate and detailed information to receive the most accurate assessment of financial need.