what even is the CSS profile
counselor said some of my schools need it on top of the FAFSA. which ones? worth it if we're middle class?
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The CSS Profile is a separate financial aid form from the College Board, used by a few hundred colleges (mostly private) to give out their own institutional aid. It asks more than the FAFSA, like home equity and sometimes a noncustodial parent's finances.
Which schools: check each college's financial aid page or the College Board's participating list.
Is it worth it: if any school on your list requires it for aid, yes. Middle class families often get significant aid at well-funded private colleges, and you cannot get it without filing. There is a fee per school, with waivers for many lower and middle income families.