When it comes to protecting your money on the CSS Profile to get the most financial aid from colleges, what we discussed so far applies only to the FAFSA. The CSS Profile is a separate form used by many private colleges to award their own (institutional) aid, and it treats assets and income much more strictly. Here are the key differences you’ll see on the CSS Profile.

When it's time to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), many parents worry that having money saved may hurt their child’s chances of receiving financial aid for college. The truth is, the FAFSA does look at your income and certain assets (like bank accounts and investments), but there are smart ways to legally protect or "shelter" some of those assets, so they don’t count against you.

To qualify for the asset reporting exemption, applicants must meet certain conditions. If these conditions are met, the FAFSA form may automatically allow you to skip the asset questions, and you won't need to report them. Skipping reportable assets could increase your need-based aid by thousands of dollars.

This podcast is Part 2 of " What Colleges Do Not Always Tell You But You Really Need to Know." We will cover nine other areas where colleges can be deceptive, either intentionally or through misleading omissions.

Colleges, especially those under pressure to meet enrollment or revenue goals, may not always be fully transparent about key aspects of the student experience and the real costs of attendance. This podcast will cover several areas where colleges can be deceptive, either intentionally or through misleading omissions.

Business assets can be important on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), but how much they affect financial aid eligibility depends on a few key factors.

Business assets might include real estate owned by the business, inventory, equipment, vehicles, and other property. You do not count the value of personal assets, like the family home (unless it's owned by the business). Large business assets can significantly increase your Student Aid Index (SAI), potentially reducing your financial aid.

Assets play a significant role in determining a student’s eligibility for need-based financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA uses a formula called the Federal Methodology to calculate a student’s Student Aid Index (SAI). This figure determines how much financial aid a student is eligible for. Assets, along with income, are key components in this calculation.

Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the most important steps in securing financial aid for your child’s college education. But many parents are surprised to learn that their cash and savings accounts can significantly impact the amount of aid their child is eligible to receive. Understanding how your assets are viewed and what you do or don’t need to report can make a major difference.