If your parents are divorced, separated, or were never married, many colleges that require the CSS Profile will also ask for a separate Non-Custodial Parent Profile—a confidential financial aid form completed by your non-custodial parent (the parent who does not live with you the majority of the time).
This helps colleges get a more complete understanding of the family’s overall financial resources when awarding institutional aid.
🧾 What Is the Non-Custodial Parent Profile?
The Non-Custodial Parent Profile is a separate and secure form that your non-custodial parent fills out on the College Board’s CSS Profile platform.
It includes:
Income and assets
Tax return details
Household size and number of dependents
Any financial obligations (e.g., other children or family responsibilities)
This form is confidential—the information is not visible to the custodial parent, the student, or any other party. Likewise, your non-custodial parent cannot see your or your custodial parent’s information.
🔐 Will My Other Parent See My Family’s Financial Info?
No.
The Non-Custodial Profile is private. Each parent creates their own login and submits their financial information separately.
The colleges store and evaluate each profile separately—you will not be able to view each other’s responses.
🧭 How Does It Work?
After submitting the CSS Profile, the custodial parent (or student) will receive an email or prompt asking for the non-custodial parent’s email address.
The College Board will then send the non-custodial parent an email invite to create their own account and complete their section.
The non-custodial parent logs in, completes the form, and submits documents (e.g., tax returns) if required.
Some schools may require additional documents submitted via IDOC.
🏫 Why Do Colleges Ask for This?
Many colleges that offer need-based institutional aid want to assess the full financial picture, including both parents, regardless of custody arrangements. They believe both biological/adoptive parents share responsibility for contributing to college costs.
Colleges use the Non-Custodial Parent Profile to:
Determine eligibility for grants or institutional aid
Ensure equity across applicants who may have significant resources from both households
Understand complex family situations that may impact financial need
📌 Some colleges will waive the non-custodial requirement in cases of estrangement, abuse, or no contact.
✏️ GradMap Pro Tips
Check each college’s CSS Profile instructions—some require the Non-Custodial Profile, some don’t.
If there’s no contact or extenuating circumstances, you may be able to request a waiver from the college. They’ll likely require:
A written explanation
Third-party documentation (e.g., counselor, therapist, legal documents)
Submit early—colleges won’t process financial aid until all required parties have submitted their info.
The Non-Custodial Parent Profile can feel sensitive, but it’s an important part of how many colleges offer fair and generous financial aid packages. The process is secure and confidential, and in many cases, support is available if your family situation is complex or strained.
Let’s make sure every piece of your aid application is complete and supported. 💡