What it is
The CSS Profile (from the College Board) is an additional financial-aid application used by roughly 200+ colleges — mostly private institutions — to award their own institutional grant aid. It's more detailed than the FAFSA and is filed in addition to it, not instead of it. Only file it if a college on your list requires it.
How it works
The CSS Profile collects a fuller financial picture than the FAFSA — including home equity, small-business details, and more nuanced circumstances — so participating colleges can distribute their own (often generous) grant funds. Each college may also ask its own supplemental questions. Unlike the FAFSA, it can require information from both biological parents in divorce/separation cases.
Who qualifies
Anyone applying to a CSS Profile college and seeking that college's institutional aid should file it. Check each college's aid page to see whether it's required (and for which students — some require it only for need-based institutional aid).
Applying, step by step
- Check which of your colleges require itOnly file if needed
- Log in with your College Board accountThe same account used for the SAT
- Gather detailed financialsTax returns, income, assets, home value, business info
- Complete each school's questionsSome add supplemental sections
- Pay the fee or request a waiverFee waivers are available for eligible families
- Submit to each required collegeThen also file the FAFSA
Deadlines & timing
CSS Profile deadlines are set by each college and are often early (aligned to admission/aid priority dates). File as soon as it opens (typically fall) for schools that require it, and note each school's specific date.
Terms to know
- Institutional aidA college's own grant money (distinct from federal aid)
- Noncustodial parentIn some cases, the CSS Profile requires the other parent's info too
- IDOCA College Board service some schools use to collect tax documents
Tips to maximize it
- Only file where requiredDon't pay for schools that don't use it
- Request a fee waiver if eligibleMany families qualify
- Be thorough and accurateIt's more detailed than the FAFSA
- Mind each school's deadlineThey vary and are often early
Frequently asked questions
- Is the CSS Profile the same as the FAFSA?No — it's a separate application for a college's own aid, filed in addition to the FAFSA.
- Does it cost money?Yes, there's a fee, but waivers are available for eligible students.
- Do all colleges use it?No — about 200+ (mostly private) do; check your schools.
- Do both parents have to file?At some schools, yes — including a noncustodial parent.
- Do I still file the FAFSA too?Yes — always file the FAFSA for federal and state aid.
Key facts
- WhatCollege Board application for a college's own aid
- Used by~200+ mostly private colleges
- AlongsideThe FAFSA (not a replacement)
- CostA fee, with waivers for eligible families
- Wherecssprofile.collegeboard.org
Where to learn more
Learn more and file at the official source: