Q: What is the CSS Profile, how is it different from the FAFSA, and do I need to complete it for financial aid?
The CSS Profile is a financial aid application used by many private colleges and universities to award non-federal institutional aid, including grants, need-based scholarships, and school-funded financial assistance. While the FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal student aid, the CSS Profile collects more detailed financial information to help schools assess a family’s full ability to pay for college.
The CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) is administered by the College Board and used primarily by private institutions with significant institutional aid budgets. The application reviews a family’s financial situation in greater depth than the FAFSA, considering factors such as home equity, family-owned businesses, medical expenses, non-custodial parent income, and more.
Cost: The initial application is $25, which includes sending the report to one school. Each additional school is $16. Fee waivers are available for qualifying students and cover up to eight schools.
You only need to complete the CSS Profile if a college or scholarship program requires it. This requirement is most common for:
For a full walkthrough of the FAFSA form, timelines, and what to expect, see our step-by-step overview on FAFSA and Financial Aid.
Many colleges require both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. The FAFSA determines federal aid eligibility (Pell Grants, federal loans, Work-Study), while the CSS Profile determines school-funded aid. Always verify requirements on each college’s financial aid website.
| Feature | CSS Profile | FAFSA |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Determines eligibility for institutional (non-federal) aid at participating colleges and scholarship programs. | Determines eligibility for federal student aid, including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and Work-Study. |
| Who Uses It | Private colleges, selective public universities, and scholarship organizations. | All accredited colleges and universities that distribute federal financial aid. |
| Cost | $25 for the first school; $16 for each additional school. Fee waivers available. | Free for all students. |
| Financial Information Required | More detailed: home equity, business value, non-custodial parent income, medical expenses, assets, and more. | Standard income and asset information via the IRS Direct Data Exchange. |
| Non-Custodial Parent Info | Often required unless waived by the school. | Not required. |
| Opening Date | Opens in the fall (typically September–October). | Opens in the fall (DOE target: October). |
| Deadlines | Set by each institution; usually November–February depending on admissions deadlines. | Federal deadline is June 30 of the academic year; state and school deadlines vary. |
| Type of Aid Awarded | Institutional grants, scholarships, and school-funded aid. | Federal grants, federal loans, and federal Work-Study. |
| Complexity | More detailed; takes longer to complete. | Simpler and faster due to the streamlined FAFSA process. |
| International Students | Often required for institutional aid at participating colleges. | Not typically used for international student aid. |
The CSS Profile typically becomes available in the fall for the upcoming academic year. Most colleges set priority deadlines between November 1 and February 15, depending on admission type (Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision).
Your best approach: Complete the CSS Profile as soon as it opens for the academic year in which you plan to enroll, especially if applying Early Decision.
Gather the following financial documents for both the student and parents:
Reviewing the CSS Profile worksheet on the College Board’s website can help you prepare and avoid errors.
Use the same College Board account used for SAT or AP services. Parents creating a separate non-custodial profile may need their own login.
Select the correct academic year, enter personal information, and begin the financial section for your household.
The CSS Profile requires more depth than the FAFSA, including assets, expenses, and special circumstances. If parents are divorced or separated, some colleges require a Non-Custodial Parent Profile as well.
Choose the schools you want to receive your CSS Profile report. Remember there is a fee for each additional school unless you qualify for a waiver.
Review all sections carefully and submit. After submission, you will receive a confirmation email and instructions for any additional college-specific documents.
The College Board provides fee waivers automatically based on financial information provided. These waivers cover:
Students who previously received SAT fee waivers or meet specific financial criteria may qualify automatically. Always review the College Board guidelines before paying.
Yes. You can update certain sections, such as income or corrected information. For significant changes, some colleges may require you to contact their financial aid office directly.
Many colleges require separate financial information from both the custodial and non-custodial parent. Each parent may need a separate login to complete their portion. Some colleges allow a Non-Custodial Parent Waiver in cases of hardship or no contact.
Yes. Many institutions require international students to submit the CSS Profile for institutional aid evaluation. Additional documentation, such as translated tax returns or income statements, may be requested.
The CSS Profile is an important step for students seeking institutional financial aid, especially at private colleges with generous funding. Although it requires more detailed financial information and includes submission fees, completing it accurately and on time can provide access to substantial school-based aid. By preparing early, gathering the correct documents, and meeting each school’s deadline, you can maximize your eligibility for financial support.
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