Tips for Completing the CSS Profile and FAFSA

Who is required to file a FAFSAThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for state and federal grants, scholarships, and loans. The FAFSA can be completed on the Federal Student Aid website.?

All first-year, transfer, and current students are required to file a FAFSAThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for state and federal grants, scholarships, and loans. The FAFSA can be completed on the Federal Student Aid website. to apply for federal and state financial aid each year. 

Who is required to file a CSS Profile?

All first-year, transfer, and any current students seeking BU need-based scholarships who:

1. 1. are not currently receiving a BU need-based scholarship, and, or
   2. are submitting an appeal for reconsideration of a BU need-based scholarship decision.

The CSS Profile™ is used to establish eligibility for BU need-based scholarship aid.

CSS provides Profile information and guidance via the “Complete the CSS Profile” video.

Here’s a link to information for students on how to fill out the CSS Profile.

Here’s link to information for parents on how to fill out the CSS Profile.

StudentAid.gov provides FAFSA information and guidance via the “Applying for Financial Aid with the FAFSA Form” video.

Here’s a link to information on how to fill out the FAFSAThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for state and federal grants, scholarships, and loans. The FAFSA can be completed on the Federal Student Aid website..

The student applicant and all contributorsA FAFSA contributor is anyone required to provide consent and approval to have their federal tax information transferred directly from the IRS into the FAFSA form, as well as a signature on the form. This may include you (the student), your spouse (if applicable), a biological or adoptive parent, or a stepparent. on the FAFSAThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for state and federal grants, scholarships, and loans. The FAFSA can be completed on the Federal Student Aid website. (usually a parent) must create their own StudentAid.gov account if they have not already done so. All contributorsA FAFSA contributor is anyone required to provide consent and approval to have their federal tax information transferred directly from the IRS into the FAFSA form, as well as a signature on the form. This may include you (the student), your spouse (if applicable), a biological or adoptive parent, or a stepparent. must sign their name on the FAFSAThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for state and federal grants, scholarships, and loans. The FAFSA can be completed on the Federal Student Aid website. and the signature is provided electronically via this account.

Here’s a link to the Federal Student Aid website where applicants and contributors create their StudentAid.gov account.

Enter your (the student applicant’s) correct Social Security number and full legal name (never a nickname) as they appear on your Social Security card, on both the CSS Profile and the FAFSAThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for state and federal grants, scholarships, and loans. The FAFSA can be completed on the Federal Student Aid website..