CSS Profile
Definition
The CSS Profile is a financial aid application used by many private colleges and universities to determine eligibility for institutional aid based on a more detailed assessment of a family’s financial situation than the FAFSA.
Detailed Explanation
The CSS Profile, short for College Scholarship Service Profile, is an online financial aid application administered by the College Board. It is used primarily by private colleges and universities to assess a student’s eligibility for non-federal financial aid, such as institutional grants and scholarships funded by the school itself. Unlike the FAFSA, which is free and used to determine eligibility for federal aid, the CSS Profile charges a fee per school (with fee waivers available for eligible students).
The CSS Profile collects more detailed financial information than the FAFSA, including data on home equity, non-custodial parent income (if applicable), retirement accounts, and medical expenses. It allows colleges to take a broader view of a family’s financial circumstances and tailor institutional aid packages accordingly. Each institution sets its own deadlines and requirements for the CSS Profile, and the list of participating schools is available on the College Board’s website.
While not every college requires it, many selective and private institutions do, especially those that award significant amounts of need-based institutional aid. Submitting the CSS Profile is often a key part of applying for financial aid beyond federal grants and loans, and students are encouraged to complete it by the earliest financial aid deadline set by their chosen colleges.
Example
A student applying to multiple private colleges completes the CSS Profile to be considered for institutional grants that go beyond what is available through the FAFSA.
Key Articles Related To The CSS Profile
Related Terms
Cost of Attendance: The total estimated cost to attend a college for one year, including tuition, housing, meals, books, and personal expenses.
FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is used to apply for federal student aid, including grants, loans, and work-study.
Financial Aid: Money provided to help students pay for college, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study.
Grant: Financial aid that does not have to be repaid, typically awarded based on financial need.
Institutional Aid: Financial assistance provided directly by a college or university, often based on information from the CSS Profile.
Need-Based Aid: Financial assistance awarded based on a student’s financial situation, as determined by aid applications like the FAFSA or CSS Profile.
Parent Contribution: The portion of college costs that a school expects the student’s parents to pay, calculated from financial aid applications.
Private College: A college or university that is independently funded and sets its own policies, often requiring the CSS Profile for aid consideration.
Scholarship: A form of aid that does not need to be repaid, awarded based on academic achievement, talent, financial need, or other factors.
FAQs
What is the CSS Profile?
The CSS Profile is an online application used by many colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal financial aid.
How is the CSS Profile different from the FAFSA?
Unlike the FAFSA, which is used for federal aid, the CSS Profile helps institutions determine eligibility for their own grants, scholarships, and aid packages.
Who needs to fill out the CSS Profile?
Students applying to colleges that require the CSS Profile for institutional aid should complete it—check each school’s financial aid website for specific requirements.
Is there a fee to submit the CSS Profile?
Yes, there is a fee to submit the CSS Profile to each school, though fee waivers are available for eligible students.
When is the CSS Profile due?
Deadlines vary by college, but it’s usually due around the same time as admissions applications—be sure to check each school’s specific deadline.
Editor: Colin Graves