If you have children going to college, this 2015 guide will simplify the complex world of college financial aid and will help you understand the FAFSA and CSS Profile college aid forms.

The CSS Profile is used to determine aid from the college or university. The form opens Oct. 1 each year, but deadlines to submit vary by college. Fee waivers are available for eligible students ...

But some families will also need to complete the College Board’s CSS/Financial Aid Profile, which certain schools—most of them private—use to determine how to award their own aid.