Why Submitting the FAFSA and CSS Profile Early Matters

Each year, high school seniors and their families are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and, where required, the CSS Profile. These two forms play a key role in determining how much financial support a student may receive toward college costs.

While deadlines vary by institution and state, submitting both forms as early as possible after they open—typically on October 1st—can make a meaningful difference. Here’s a breakdown of why early submission matters.

What Are the FAFSA and CSS Profile?

The FAFSA is a free application administered by the U.S. Department of Education. It determines eligibility for federal aid, including:

• Pell Grants
• Federal student loans
• Work-study programs

Many states and colleges also use the FAFSA to award their own grants and scholarships.

The CSS Profile is a separate form administered by the College Board. It is used by nearly 250 mostly private colleges and universities to allocate institutional financial aid. The CSS Profile collects more detailed information than the FAFSA and may ask about:

• Home equity
• Medical expenses
• Income from non-custodial parents

These details help institutions form a fuller picture of a family’s financial situation.

Why Submit Early?

1. Access to More Aid

Some financial aid is awarded on a rolling basis, especially state grants and institutional scholarships. That means the earlier your application is received and processed, the better your chances of receiving the maximum amount available.

If funding runs out, eligible students may receive less—or nothing at all. Submitting early helps ensure your application is considered while funds are still available.

2. Priority Deadlines at Many Colleges

Many colleges set priority financial aid deadlines that are weeks or months earlier than their final application deadlines. For example, a student applying Early Decision or Early Action in November may also need to submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile by that same date.

Missing a school’s priority financial aid deadline could limit the types and amounts of aid available, even if the student is admitted.

3. Time to Make Corrections or Submit Additional Documents

Errors or missing information can delay aid decisions. Submitting early gives families time to:

• Review their Student Aid Report (SAR) after filing the FAFSA
• Respond to verification requests
• Submit additional documentation if needed

This extra time can prevent delays in receiving financial aid packages or having to make last-minute decisions under pressure.

4. Better Planning for College Costs

Understanding potential financial aid early in the admissions process helps families assess what schools are financially realistic before receiving acceptance letters.

By submitting early, students may receive early estimates of aid offers, making it easier to compare colleges and make informed choices.

Common Misunderstandings About Financial Aid Timing

“We won’t qualify, so we don’t need to apply early.”

Even families who believe they won’t receive need-based aid may still benefit from completing the FAFSA or CSS Profile. Many colleges require these forms to be on file before awarding merit-based aid, even if the student is not eligible for federal grants.

The CSS Profile, in particular, considers factors not included in the FAFSA, such as private school tuition for siblings or unreimbursed medical expenses, which can impact aid eligibility.

“We can wait since we’re applying Regular Decision.”

While Regular Decision applications may be due in January, financial aid deadlines at many schools are earlier—sometimes in December. Waiting could mean missing a deadline for financial aid, regardless of when the college application is submitted.

It’s always best to check each college’s financial aid page for exact dates.

Recent Changes to FAFSA: What to Know

The FAFSA Simplification Act has led to several changes in how the FAFSA works, starting with the 2024–25 application cycle:

• The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is now known as the Student Aid Index (SAI).
• The form is shorter and intended to be more user-friendly.
• The number of family members in college no longer increases aid eligibility.

These changes affect how aid is calculated and may shift eligibility for some families. As a result, early and accurate submission is more important than ever.

When to Start Preparing

Here are a few practical steps families can take in advance of the October 1st opening:

• Gather Documents: This includes tax returns, W-2s, bank statements, and records of untaxed income.
• Create an FSA ID: Both the student and one parent will need separate IDs to sign the FAFSA electronically.
• Check Requirements for Each School: Not all colleges require the CSS Profile. Confirm deadlines and forms needed through the college’s financial aid website.
  

Planning ahead can streamline the process and reduce the likelihood of missing important details.

Final Thoughts

While financial aid applications may feel like another task in a long admissions checklist, early submission of the FAFSA and CSS Profile can make a significant difference in the amount and type of aid a student receives.

From state grants to institutional scholarships, financial aid is not infinite. The earlier an application is submitted, the more opportunities remain open.

Deadlines vary, but the advice is consistent: don’t wait. Preparing early, checking school-specific requirements, and submitting on or close to October 1st can help students and families make the most of their financial aid options.