What Is the CSS Profile — and Do You Need to Fill It Out?

You thought you were done with the FAFSA… but then someone mentioned something called the CSS Profile.

Now you’re wondering:

What even is that?
Why are some colleges asking for it?
And does my family actually have to do it?

This guide is for parents—especially first-gen families—trying to make sense of the financial aid maze. We’ll explain what the CSS Profile is, who has to fill it out, and how to avoid common traps.

Quick Summary:
Some colleges ask for the CSS Profile—a separate financial aid form from the FAFSA—to decide how much of their own money to give you. It asks more detailed financial questions and may include divorced parents or home equity. You only need to fill it out if the colleges on your list require it. Most public universities don’t.

🎓 What Is the CSS Profile?

The CSS Profile is a financial aid form—just like the FAFSA—but it’s used by some colleges to award their own scholarships and aid.
It’s run by College Board (same group as the SAT).
It is not a replacement for FAFSA. You may need to do both.

📌 FAFSA = government aid. CSS Profile = college money (grants, scholarships, institutional aid).

🏫 Which Colleges Require the CSS Profile?

Most public colleges do not require it. Many private colleges do.

Examples of colleges that require it:

Boston University
Columbia University
Duke University
NYU
Rice University
USC
Vanderbilt
Wake Forest

Examples of colleges that don’t require it:

🔍 You can also check the CSS Profile website or use the official list of participating colleges.

🧾 What Does It Ask For?

Income, tax return, and assets
Home equity and retirement accounts
If divorced: income from both biological parents (often required)

⚠️ Some colleges reduce your aid if they count home value or retirement savings.

💸 What About the Fee?

The CSS Profile isn’t free—but many families qualify for a waiver:

$25 for the first school
$16 for each additional
CSS Profile fee waiver info

💡 If your student qualifies for free/reduced lunch or an SAT fee waiver, you likely won’t have to pay.

👪 Divorced or Separated Parents?

Many CSS schools require the non-custodial parent’s financial info.
They’ll need to create their own login and submit a separate form.
If that’s not possible, you can request a waiver.

🟠 This trips up a lot of families. Start early if it applies to you.

💡 How to Maximize Aid from CSS Profile Schools

Submit early—before the priority deadline.
Call colleges to ask how they treat home equity or retirement savings.
Use the \”special circumstances\” section to explain job loss or hardships.
Don’t overreport—put 529s under the parent, not the student.
Use the “other expenses” section (medical costs, elder care, tuition for other children).
Sort out divorced parent access early.
Don’t deposit large sums right before submitting (e.g., gifts or bonuses).
Run net price calculators for all schools.
Call financial aid offices—you can ask how they evaluate your form.

🧠 CRP Tip: The same CSS Profile could result in $25K from one school and $2K from another. Aid varies by policy.

🤔 FAQs (Click to Expand)

Is the CSS Profile required every year?

Yes. You must fill it out every year your student is applying for aid at a CSS school.

Does the CSS Profile affect FAFSA aid?

No. FAFSA is for federal/state aid. CSS Profile is for college aid only.

What happens if I miss the CSS Profile deadline?

You might miss out on need-based aid. Contact the college ASAP if it’s late.

Can I get a fee waiver?

Yes. Fee waivers are applied automatically if your student qualifies.

Can I submit without the non-custodial parent?

Only if the college allows a waiver. You’ll likely need documentation.

Can I change my CSS Profile after submitting?

Not directly. You must contact each college to make updates.

Why do some schools ask for both FAFSA and CSS Profile?

FAFSA = government aid. CSS Profile = aid from the college itself. Many require both.

Do all colleges see the same version of my CSS Profile?

No. Each school sees only the version submitted to them and may ask additional questions.

Does the CSS Profile consider retirement accounts?

Yes, many CSS schools do factor in retirement savings when calculating aid.

✅ CSS Profile Checklist for Parents

[ ] Look up which colleges require the CSS Profile
[ ] Write down each college’s CSS deadline
[ ] Gather tax return, income, and home value documents
[ ] Create an account for your student
[ ] Ask the non-custodial parent to create an account (if required)
[ ] Check for fee waiver eligibility
[ ] Submit before the earliest college deadline

📘 What to Do Next

You’re not behind. You’re learning—and that already puts you ahead.