Don’t stress the CSS: Here’s a primer on the lesser-known financial aid form
If you’re applying to college, you’re probably becoming familiar the FAFSA. Depending on your plans, you may also need to become acquainted with the FAFSA’s less-well-known counterpart, the CSS Profile. Wondering what exactly it is and how it works? Here’s a quick guide.
What Is the CSS Profile?
The CSS Profile is an online financial aid application administered by the College Board (yes, the same folks behind the SAT). Used by over 250 colleges and universities, the CSS Profile helps institutions award non-federal aid by providing a more detailed view of your family’s finances.
Why Some Schools Require the CSS
Colleges and universities use the CSS Profile to ask more customizable questions and receive more in-depth information than the FAFSA. For example, it gathers info from both parents in situations where they’re separated or divorced, and it asks for more detailed financial information. Schools can also use it to ask tailored questions and allow families to explain special circumstances like medical expenses or a parent’s job loss.
With the CSS, institutions can get a clearer picture of a family’s net worth, which they believe allows them to distribute their institutional financial aid more equitably.
What You’ll Need to Complete the CSS Profile
Be prepared to report extensive financial details (for both sets of parents if divorced/separated), including:
- Most recently completed tax forms and current year income information
- Bank account balances
- Untaxed income to include contributions to retirement accounts, flexible spending accounts, pre-tax to health savings accounts, child support, and housing allowance if you are in the clergy or military
- Asset information including stocks, bonds, investment accounts, retirement accounts, money market accounts, real estate, 529s, and trust funds (UTMA, UGMA)
- Equity in your primary home
- Medical debt amounts
Costs and Fee Waivers
The CSS Profile costs $25 for the first school and $16 for each additional one. However, you may qualify for fee waivers if:
- Your family’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is up to $100,000
- You’re an orphan or ward of the court and under the age of 24
- You qualify for an SAT fee waiver*
*Note: Parents must live in the U.S. to be eligible for the waiver.
FAFSA vs. CSS Profile
| FAFSA | CSS Profile |
| Free | Costs apply (waivers available) |
| Required for federal aid | Required by some schools for institutional aid |
| Standardized form | Customizable by the school, more detailed |
| For divorced parents, only one parent provides financial info. Gathers financial info including federal tax info, investments, bank account balances, and 529 plans | Divorced parents must both provide financial info (in most cases). Gathers additional financial info, including equity in home, medical and retirement accounts |
Parent Info: Who’s Involved?
The CSS Profile asks for info from all biological parents and stepparents. If your parents are divorced and remarried, all four may need to provide info. In cases of no contact with a parent, a waiver may be requested. Legal guardians are also included. The CSS Profile is a “smart form,” and how you answer the parent/guardian questions will then determine next questions; the form will guide you on parent information that needs to be included.
When to Submit
The CSS Profile opens October 1. Deadlines to submit the application vary by school. Always check your school’s website and submit early.
Creating an Account
If you’ve taken the SAT, PSAT, or APs, you likely already have a College Board account. If not, it’s easy to make an account. Your parent(s) can use your College Board account to submit their information, as well. If your parents are divorced or separated, the parent who provides the most financial support will use your account. The other parent will need to create their own account.
How Long Does It Take?
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours after you have gathered necessary info. Start early to ensure you meet your school’s deadline.
Need Help?
Sign up for one of our CSS webinars, or check out these resources: