How To Answer Parent Employment Questions For CSS Profile®

Parent Employment Details

The CSS Profile also asks for information on your employment.

How To Answer These Questions

Select the answers that match your current employment.

What is your current employment status?

You can select Employed by Others, Self-Employed, Unemployed, or Retired (or not employed by choice).

Have you ever served in the U.S. Armed Forces?

You can answer "Yes" if you're currently serving or have been discharged.

Can I Skip These Questions?

No, they are required.

Parent Occupation Details

Enter details about your parent's occupation.

How To Answer These Questions

These questions are about your current employment. If you're unemployed, you can answer about your prior employment. 

What is your occupation?

Describe your occupation.

Where do you work?

Enter the employer name. 

How many years have you worked there?

Enter how long you've worked at your employer.

Can I Skip These Questions?

Yes, if none of these apply.

Parent Retirement Plan Details

Enter details about your parent's retirement plans.

How To Answer These Questions

These questions are about what types of retirement plans you may contribute to.

Which retirement plans do you participate in?

You can select all that apply: IRA, Keogh, 401k, 403b, or other tax-deferred plan; plans to draw on Social Security; employer sponsored plan; civil service or state-sponsored pension; union sponsored pension; military sponsored pension; other type of plan.

Enter The Current Value of Retirement Plans

Unlike the FAFSA, which does NOT include retirement plans as assets for parents, the CSS Profile wants to know the full value of your retirement plan assets, as of the date you file.

You should use a net worth tracking tool or budgeting tool to help. For deferred benefit plans, report the net worth from the most recent account statement.

Can I Skip These Questions?

No, if the value is $0, enter $0.