Ultimately you should contact the financial aid office at the school or schools to which the student is applying or attending to determine how that school calculates financial aid candidacy. Every school is different and, like @dcandmc said, some do and some do not require the CSS Profile. Others may have their own method for assessing aid, so it pays to call and talk to each financial aid office at each school.
VP, Research & Development
This information does not constitute tax advice and is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your tax advisor, financial advisor, local taxing authority, and/or plan provider or sponsor for more information.