THE CSS PROFILE
THE PRIVATE FINANCIAL AID FORM YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
The CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) is an online application many colleges and universities use to award institutional financial aid. Unlike the FAFSA, which is used for federal aid, the CSS Profile primarily focuses on determining eligibility for non-federal financial assistance directly from colleges. It collects detailed information about your family's financial situation, including income, assets, and other factors that can help schools provide need-based scholarships and grants.
Why is the CSS Profile Important?
The CSS Profile is essential if you are applying to schools that require it for financial aid. Completing it ensures that you have access to additional sources of financial assistance beyond federal aid, which could greatly reduce the overall cost of attending college. Many private colleges use the CSS Profile to determine how much aid they can give based on your family’s specific financial circumstances. Without submitting the form, you might miss out on school-specific grants, scholarships, and other financial resources.
Which Schools Use the CSS Profile?
Not all schools use the CSS Profile, but many private colleges, universities, and scholarship programs do. Some well-known institutions that require it include:
Harvard University
Yale University
Stanford University
Duke University
Boston College
New York University (NYU)
In total, more than 400 institutions and scholarship programs use the CSS Profile. You can check the College Board's website for the full list of schools that require the form.
When Should You Fill Out the CSS Profile?
The CSS Profile for the 2025-2026 academic year opens on October 1, 2024. You should fill it out as soon as possible if you are applying to colleges that require it. Many schools have priority deadlines in the fall or early winter, which means the earlier you submit it, the better your chances of receiving the most financial aid. Each school will have its deadline, so make sure to check with the specific institutions to avoid missing important dates.
Key Steps to Complete the CSS Profile:
Create a College Board account if you don’t already have one. (Your child should have one)
Gather financial documents like tax returns, W-2 forms, and records of untaxed income.
Log in to the CSS Profile at cssprofile.org.
Complete the form by providing detailed financial information.
Submit the application and pay the fee (or request a fee waiver if eligible).
What to Remember:
The CSS Profile is separate from the FAFSA, and both may be required.
There’s a fee to submit the CSS Profile, but fee waivers are available for eligible students.
Be mindful of school-specific deadlines to maximize your chances of receiving aid.
By filling out the CSS Profile early and accurately, you can ensure your student is considered for the widest range of financial aid opportunities. Don’t miss out on the chance to make college more affordable!
DID YOU MISS THE MEETING?
No worries! The October Scholarship Webinar recording is now available!
OCTOBER WEBINAR RECORDING LINK
