In simplest terms, the CSS Profile form is an additional requirement for many private schools when applying for financial aid. The CSS Profile administered by the College Board is required by about 400 colleges and universities to determine aid eligibility for non-government financial aid. Click here to see if your school requires a CSS Profile and be sure to check the school’s deadline.
Below are some highlights regarding the CSS Profile:
1. Why you should you complete the CSS profile if requested?
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May provide access to funding sources that may not be available through FAFSA - $9B in grants
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Provides a more thorough overview of your family finances than FAFSA
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Gives you the opportunity to explain special circumstances regarding family finance matters
2. How do you file your CSS Profile?
You can complete your online submission at cssprofile.org. Submissions are accepted starting October 1st each year. Be sure to check school's website for the required deadline.
3. Cost to file:
For more information on submitting and managing your CSS profile, a quick overview is available on the
CollegeBoard website. Help is available at the College Planning Center to complete and submit both the FAFSA and CSS. Book a free
appointment today.
Below is a list of what to bring to your appointment:
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Student’s username and password for
Collegeboard.org –
(Please login to the College Board CSS Profile site prior to your appointment and fill out all of the personal & contact information.)
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The student's social security number
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A list of the schools the student is applying to
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Entire previous year's Tax return, for parents and student
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W2’s (or last pay stub from tax year)
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Please know how much is in your checking and savings accounts (parent and student)
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Annual amounts of untaxed income received in the household (SSDI, child support)
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Tuition paid for student and siblings attending private elementary or high school
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Medical and dental expenses not covered by insurance (include: how much paid to FSA)
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Value of your home, how much you paid, owe, the year of purchase, monthly mortgage payment (all the same information if you have any investment property)
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Value of retirement funds
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Total value of all investments (stocks bonds, 529 plans, mutual funds, CD’s, NOT retirement)
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If you own a business, please know the total value of the business (buildings and equipment), how much you owe on the business, # of employees, and total gross receipts and expenses