Understanding the CSS Profile
In this event recording, admissions and financial aid counselors from Coalition member colleges explain what the CSS Profile is, how colleges use it, and share tips for completing it successfully. You’ll leave feeling confident and prepared to take this important step in the financial aid process.
Featuring admissions and financial aid counselors from: Colby College, University of Richmond & Washington and Lee University
Please note: Spanish captions are available for this recording. Click on the gear icon at the bottom of the video, and in the settings, select the language for the captions. | Hay subtítulos en español disponibles para esta grabación. Haga clic en el ícono de ajustes en la parte inferior del video y, en la configuración, seleccione el idioma para los subtítulos.
Read on for a look at some of the frequently asked questions about the CSS Profile.
THE BASICS
Why should I fill out the CSS Profile? How does it differ from the FAFSA? Do I need to fill out both?
The CSS Profile is used by some colleges and universities to award their own institutional aid to students. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used for determining aid eligibility for federal aid.
When applying for financial aid, you’ll submit the FAFSA to each of the colleges where you’re applying and the CSS Profile to those colleges that require it.
Where do I fill out the CSS Profile?
Online at cssprofile.collegeboard.org.
What is the deadline for submitting the CSS Profile?
Deadlines vary by college, so students should check these on college websites.
How do we know which colleges require the CSS Profile?
Here’s the list that College Board provides: https://profile.collegeboard.org/PPI/participatingInstitutions.aspx
You can also find information on each college’s financial aid website.
WHEN TO SUBMIT THE PROFILE
Is it better to fill out the CSS Profile early?
It is important to meet the deadlines set by the colleges to which you are applying.
Do I have to fill out the CSS Profile every year?
Aid renewal requirements will vary by college. You can check the requirements on individual college websites. Some schools only require it during the year of initial application.
Do you submit to all schools at the same time? What if you are applying to schools at different times?
You can select what schools you want to submit the application to. If you want to add a school after initially submitting it, you can add schools later!
COST & FEE WAIVERS
How much is the fee for the CSS profile? Does it depend on the school? Does it cost to send it to more than one school?
The CSS Profile is $25 for the initial application to one institution, and $16 for each additional institution. Some students may qualify for a fee waiver.
How do I obtain a CSS Profile fee waiver?
Here’s information about fee waivers for the CSS Profile: cssprofile.collegeboard.org/fee-waivers
WHO COMPLETES THE CSS PROFILE
I’m a student. Do I fill out the CSS Profile?
Yes, students fill out the CSS Profile but will need to work with their parent/guardian(s) to collect the necessary information.
Do parents need to fill any parts of the CSS Profile?
Parents will need to help students retrieve the information about parent income and assets. If there is a noncustodial parent in another household, their contact information will be entered into the student's primary CSS Profile and then that second parent will get a link with a noncustodial parent CSS Profile they must complete, if required by your colleges.
If only one of my parents is in the picture but they are both living, is there a way to not need my absent parent? Some of the colleges on my list want both parents’ information.
If you have no contact with the noncustodial parent and do not have contact information for them, you can indicate this when you enter your parent information. You can also submit a waiver request for the noncustodial parent information. Each college will make their determination on whether that waiver request is approved.
REPORTING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
For the Fall 2026 class, how far do you go back for tax paperwork? Which tax year is used for CSS and FAFSA?
The 2026/2027 FAFSA and CSS profile will be asking for 2024 income information.
Do I report asset values from 2024 or today?
Assets should be reported with their current value.
The CSS Profile asks for your home’s value. How do you determine this?
You can use online tools like Zillow or Redfin or look up recent home sales in your neighborhood for similar properties.
There is a question on the CSS profile that asks 'how much do you intend to pay for college' or something to that effect. How should that question be answered?
You can provide an honest estimate of what you plan to contribute out-of-pocket.
What if I live with a family member in the United States but my parents live abroad. Whose financial information should I use in this case to fill out the CSS profile?
You must use your parents' financial information when filling out the CSS Profile, regardless of the fact that you live with another family member in the United States and your parents live abroad.
What is IDOC and does it cost money?
IDOC is a service used by the CSS Profile to upload your documents (such as tax returns, W2s, etc.). Not every school will utilize IDOC though, so you may need to upload documents separately to different schools. IDOC does not cost you money.
CHANGES & UPDATES
Can you go back and change answers to questions or is it once you submit that is it?
You can make edits once through the CSS Profile Dashboard.
What if our financial situation this year is significantly different than last year?
You still need to answer the questions about 2024 income but in the "special circumstances" section you can describe financial changes. The CSS Profile also asks how much you expect to make in 2025. You may need to file an appeal later after your acceptance, to have your colleges fully consider more recent income.
AID ELIGIBILITY
Is there a maximum income limit beyond which a student is not eligible for any financial aid?
Not necessarily. Income is only one factor in the needs analysis equation and is weighted equally with assets, number in household, and number in college. So income alone isn't a total reflection of what aid you might receive as it is only one piece of the puzzle.
Do students have to apply separately for the different scholarships available on the college website or does the CSS Profile application cover those?
It will depend on each school and scholarship. You will need to check what the requirements are for each school/award.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND OTHER FAQs, VISIT THE CSS PROFILE WEBSITE.
