Do I Need to Complete the CSS Profile?

While most families know about the FAFSA, many are surprised to learn they might have to complete the CSS Profile as well. In preparation for the 2022-2023 CSS Profile (and FAFSA) opening on October 1st, I’ll be answering some CSS Profile FAQs.

What is the CSS Profile?

CSS Profile stands for College Scholarship Service Profile. The information from the CSS Profile is used to award institutional need-based aid. Since the CSS Profile is administered by the College Board, students will use their College Board account to complete the CSS Profile. 

Do I need to complete the CSS Profile?

That depends on which colleges are on your list! You can see the complete list colleges that require the CSS Profile here. 

Just like the FAFSA, even if you do not believe that you are eligible for need-based aid, there is no harm in submitting it.  Certain schools require the CSS Profile & FAFSA  to be on file for merit aid purposes as well.

How do the CSS Profile & FAFSA vary?

The differences tend to impact students most when parents are divorced. That is because the CSS Profile typically requires the non-custodial parent’s financial information. Currently, the FAFSA only requires the custodial parent’s information. 

The CSS Profile also goes into more detail about the family’s financial situation. For example, the CSS Profile asks for information regarding any businesses owned by the parent(s) and significant medical expenses. Depending on the student’s situation, additional details like this may help or hurt the student’s eligibility when it comes to need-based aid.

Lastly, while the FAFSA is free to submit there is a charge to submit the CSS Profile. It costs $25 to send to the first college and $16 for each additional college. 

When should I complete the CSS Profile? 

Every college is going to have its own priority deadline, which you can find on their website.  Simply Admissions clients will also find those priority dates on their application trackers by October 1st. 

What should I do after I complete the CSS Profile?

Once you submit the CSS Profile,  students should look at their dashboard to see if there are any next steps and/or further documentation required. Certain colleges may ask you to submit documents to the Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC) or through the college’s own applicant portal. 

If you still have unanswered questions, Simply Admissions is here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today!