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What Information Does the CSS Profile Collect?
The CSS Profile gathers detailed information about student and family finances to help colleges determine eligibility for non-federal aid. Schools use this data to evaluate need for institutional scholarships, grants, and other funding that goes beyond what the FAFSA covers. Students are asked to provide information about income, assets, household size, parent employment, and outstanding debts. The application is more thorough than the FAFSA, which is why many colleges that offer substantial financial aid require students to complete both forms. International students applying to participating schools must also complete the CSS Profile, and some institutions have specific requirements for non-U.S. applicants.
The College Board offers automatic fee exemptions for students from families with limited income. Qualifying students can submit the CSS Profile at no cost. Students who have already received fee waivers for standardized tests or who participate in free or reduced-price lunch programs at school often qualify automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Aid Applications
Who needs to complete the CSS Profile?
Students applying for non-federal financial aid at participating colleges and universities typically need to complete the CSS Profile. More than 400 schools use it to award institutional grants, scholarships, and other forms of assistance. Students and their custodial parents complete the form together, using recent tax documents and financial records to answer each question accurately.
How is the CSS Profile different from the FAFSA?
The FAFSA covers federal aid programs, while the CSS Profile is used by individual schools to award their own institutional funds. The CSS Profile asks more detailed questions about family finances, including asset values and income sources that the FAFSA does not collect. Families applying to schools that require both forms should complete the FAFSA first and then use the same financial information when completing the CSS Profile.
When should students apply for financial aid?
The CSS Profile opens each year on October 1. Students should apply as early as possible and check each college's priority deadline to ensure they are considered for the maximum amount of aid. Many schools award limited institutional funding on a first-come basis, so starting the application process early gives students the best chance of receiving grants and scholarships.
Are there fee exemptions for lower-income families?
Yes. The College Board provides automatic fee exemptions for students who meet income thresholds. Students who qualify can submit the CSS Profile and send it to as many schools as needed at no charge. Eligibility is based on family income, participation in free or reduced-price lunch programs, or prior receipt of fee exemptions for standardized tests.
For related resources, see the college application form, the financial affidavit template, or the scholarship application form available on FormsPal.
