How To Answer General Information Questions For CSS Profile®
Here's how to correctly enter the general "Getting Started" information section of the CSS Profile®, including name, address, and other contact information.
Student Name And Nickname
These questions are the basic information you need to fill out for the CSS Profile. It's important that your information on the CSS Profile also matches the information you send to the colleges on your college application.
How To Answer These Questions
- Enter your first name, middle name, and last name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.
- Enter your Nickname (This name can be seen by your parent/guardian and the school).
Can I Skip These Questions?
No, they are required.
Contact Information
Make sure you enter correct contact information. We highly recommend NOT using any school-associated email addresses as they can be deactivated once you leave school. Make sure you use something that you have access to.
How To Answer These Questions
- Enter your mobile phone number or other phone number you can be reached.
- Enter your email address (make sure you will have access to it once you leave school).
Can I Skip These Questions?
No, they are required.
Student Birthday, Marital Status, And Country of Residence
Next, make sure that you enter your birthday (and that it matches all your applications).
Your marital status as a student will determine whether you need to provide your spouse's information. Important: this is the student's marital status.
If you're separated, divorced, or widowed, you won't have to provide any information other than your own.
Finally, enter your country of residence.
How To Answer These Questions
- Enter your birthday.
- Select the box that corresponds to your marital status.
- Enter your country of residence.
Can I Skip These Questions?
No, they are required.
Student Status
This section asks about unique circumstances that may impact the student, and you may be asked by the school's financial aid office to provide more information.
How To Answer These Questions
- If the student has their own children, mark Yes.
- If the student is serving on active duty or is a veteran, mark Yes.
- If the student was emancipated as a minor by a court, mark Yes.
- If the student is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, mark yes.
Can I Skip These Questions?
No, they are required.
Foster Care
This section asks about whether the student was in foster care or a ward of the court. These are matching the FAFSA Personal Circumstances questions.
How To Answer These Questions
- If the student was a ward of the court, mark Yes.
- If the student was in foster care, mark Yes.
Can I Skip These Questions?
No, they are required.
Student Address
Enter the student's permanent address.
How To Answer These Questions
- Enter the address the student always can receive mail. This is usually the home address of the parent(s).
Can I Skip These Questions?
No, they are required.
Student SSN
Enter the student's Social Security Number.
How To Answer These Questions
- Enter your SSN. Ensure it matches what's on your Social Security card. Canadian students can enter their Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Can I Skip These Questions?
No, they are required.
Student CBFinAidID
Enter the student's College Board Financial Aid ID.
How To Answer These Questions
- If you have previously submitted a CSS Profile (for a prior year, for example), you have a CBFinAidID. You should enter this information here if you have it.
Can I Skip These Questions?
Yes, if you do not have a CBFinAidID.
2026-27 CSS Profile Questions Step-By-Step
Find answers to the other CSS Profile questions here:
General Information
Parent Income Information
Household Information
Parent Expenses And Assets
Student Financial Information
Special Circumstances
CSS Profile® is a registered mark of College Board.