Many private and selective public colleges use the CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) to determine your eligibility for institutional financial aid—grants, scholarships, and other aid provided directly by the college.
It’s more detailed than the FAFSA but is also your gateway to thousands of dollars in additional aid. Completing it thoroughly—and early—can make a big difference in your financial aid package.
🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Complete the CSS Profile
1️⃣ Go to
Click “Sign In to Apply” and log in with your College Board account (the same one you use for SAT or AP).
2️⃣ Start a New Application
Select the correct academic year
Add the colleges or scholarship programs you want to send the CSS Profile to
Confirm whether each college requires non-custodial parent info (if applicable)
3️⃣ Complete Student & Parent Sections
Be ready to provide detailed information, including:
👤 Student Information
Legal name, DOB, address
Citizenship and residency
Educational background
👪 Parent Information
Marital status
Household size
Number of dependents in college
Custodial and non-custodial parent details (if applicable)
💵 Financial Information (from both student & parent)
Federal tax returns (typically from two years prior)
W-2s or income statements
Current bank account balances
Value of investments (excluding retirement accounts)
Home equity and property value (if applicable)
Business/farm ownership information (if applicable)
💡 The CSS Profile asks more detailed financial questions than the FAFSA, including assets like home equity, trusts, and non-retirement investment accounts.
4️⃣ Upload Additional Documents (If Requested)
Some colleges require tax documents or non-custodial parent forms to be submitted via the College Board IDOC system. You’ll be notified if this applies to you after submission.
5️⃣ Pay & Submit
First school: $25
Each additional school: $16
Fee waivers are automatically applied for qualifying low-income students.
After you submit it, please save a PDF copy of your confirmation page and check your email for follow-up instructions.
📌 What to Watch Out For
Deadlines vary by school. Some CSS deadlines are earlier than the FAFSA, especially for Early Action/Early Decision applicants.
You may need to include your non-custodial parent’s information. Check each college’s policy.
Be accurate and consistent. Info should match what you report on the FAFSA wherever applicable.
Some colleges ask for an explanation of special circumstances. Use the “Additional Information” section to explain any unusual financial situations (e.g., medical expenses, recent job loss, etc.) or wait until admission is granted and then provide information using a "special circumstance" form specifically used by a college.
✏️ GradMap Pro Tips
Use the College Board’s Participating Institution List to see which colleges require the CSS Profile:
Gather all your financial documents before you start—you’ll need more detail than the FAFSA.
Submit early to meet priority aid deadlines and maximize potential aid.
If your family’s financial situation is complicated or if you’re unsure how to report something, check with a college funding professional.
The CSS Profile may take a little extra time but can unlock powerful aid opportunities that FAFSA alone won’t provide. Being early, organized, and thorough gives you the best shot at reducing your college costs.
Let’s get that CSS Profile submitted with confidence! 💰