Summary:
The CSS Profile is an online financial aid application administered by the College Board. It is used by many U.S. colleges and universities—especially private institutions—to award non-federal, need-based financial aid. Unlike the FAFSA, the CSS Profile is often required from both U.S. and international students.
What Is the CSS Profile?
The CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) is a detailed financial aid form used by over 200 U.S. colleges, universities, and scholarship programs to assess a student’s financial need and determine eligibility for institutional aid (financial aid provided by the college itself). It is managed by the same organization that runs the SAT and AP exams—the College Board.
While the FAFSA is required to access U.S. federal aid, the CSS Profile is often required for college-based scholarships, grants, or tuition discounts—especially at private schools such as NYU, Columbia, and Stanford.
Who Should Complete the CSS Profile?
Students applying to any college that requires the CSS Profile must complete it to be considered for institutional aid. This includes both U.S. citizens and international students. In fact, for international students, the CSS Profile is often the only way to apply for need-based aid, since the FAFSA is not available to most non-citizens.
Each college has its own financial aid policies, so applicants should carefully check whether the schools on their list require the CSS Profile.
What Does It Ask For?
The CSS Profile collects more detailed financial information than the FAFSA. It includes:
- Income and tax information (from both student and parents)
- Assets such as savings, investments, and property
- Family expenses, such as tuition paid for siblings or medical costs
- Business or farm income, if applicable
- Information from both biological parents, even if divorced (in most cases)
The form is customized based on the applicant’s family situation and the schools selected.
Cost and Fee Waivers
There is a fee to submit the CSS Profile: currently $25 for the first college and $16 for each additional school. However, the College Board offers fee waivers to eligible U.S. applicants with financial need. Some colleges also cover the cost for international students—check each school’s financial aid website for details.
When to Submit
The CSS Profile typically opens on October 1 each year. Each college has its own priority deadline, often in November for Early Decision or January–February for Regular Decision. Students should submit it as early as possible to be considered for the most generous aid packages.