css profile

What is CSS Profile and Why it Matters?

With the cost of college continuing to rise, applying for financial aid remains a crucial step in the college admissions process. The College Board CSS Profile is one of two financial aid applications used by schools to award grants and scholarships. In conjunction with the FAFSA, the CSS Profile is used by colleges to determine institutional, need-based aid.

The CSS Profile, operated by the College Board (the same company that administers the SAT), is required by many private schools’ financial aid offices. Therefore, understanding how to complete this application is an important step of the overall college application process. 

Navigating the College Board CSS Profile can be tricky for students and families, but CollegeAdvisor is here to help! This guide will break down the application and offer important CSS Profile tips and tricks to help you maximize your eligibility for financial aid. To answer the question, “What is CSS profile?” we will: 

  • Detail what the application is used for 
  • Discuss the difference between the CSS Profile and the FAFSA 
  • Outline general eligibility criteria 
  • Check out how the application works for International Students 
  • Provide steps on how to complete the application, and more!

It’s important to start thinking about financial aid early in the college admissions process. But there are ways to help you and your family manage the costs of higher education – so let’s get started!

What Is College Board CSS Profile?

So, what is CSS Profile? The College Board CSS Profile is an online application used to determine financial need. In general, the application is similar to the FAFSA and uses much of the same information. Many of the CSS Profile questions will focus on a family’s financial information, such as income, assets, and expenses. Schools that require the application will use these figures to determine if a student qualifies for need-based financial aid. 

The CSS Profile is operated by the College Board, which is the same organization that administers the SAT and AP tests. Therefore, a CSS Profile login is usually the same login students previously used to register for the SAT, streamlining the process. The College Board offers a wide range of services to help students plan for college. In fact, the College Board also manages the IDOC imaging service, which many CSS Profile schools use to collect important tax documentation. 

It’s important to understand that not every college will require the College Board CSS Profile for their financial aid process. However, you’ll need to carefully review your schools’ financial aid websites to see what their requirements are. Many schools will also have a strict CSS Profile deadline, so it’s crucial to keep informed. 

What is CSS Profile Used For?

In short, the College Board CSS Profile is used to determine eligibility for non-federal sources of aid. While the FAFSA will help determine your eligibility for federal aid (such as the Pell Grant and federal loans), the CSS Profile is used to help schools award institutional grants and scholarships. The CSS Profile questions help capture an accurate picture of a family’s financial situation, allowing schools to better understand your ability to pay. 

Exactly what is CSS Profile used for? Essentially, the application collects important financial information from students so schools can distribute institutional need-based aid. And, it allows families to apply for financial aid at multiple schools, at the same time. Additionally, schools are also able to customize their application. Essentially, they can include additional CSS Profile questions to help paint a more holistic picture of a family’s finances. 

There is an associated cost with filing the College Board CSS Profile. However, over 40% of applicants qualify for a fee waiver. For families who don’t qualify for the fee waiver, the application will cost $25 for the initial filing. But, we’ll further detail the costs of the CSS Profile later in this guide.  

The Impact of CSS Profile on Your Financial Aid Package

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For CSS Profile schools, the application is used to determine eligibility for school-sponsored, institutional, financial aid. This is usually in the form of institutional grants and scholarships. Applying for school-based financial aid will help ensure that you are maximizing your financial aid options. 

However, not every school accepts the College Board CSS Profile. Many public and state schools will only require the FAFSA. CSS Profile schools will often require both the FAFSA and CSS Profile for a complete financial aid application. The CSS Profile questions tend to be more in-depth than the FAFSA. This often allows families to qualify for larger financial aid packages.

Additionally, some schools will use the CSS Profile for international students, allowing them to apply for need-based aid. International students are not able to file the FAFSA. So, schools that use the CSS Profile for international students create important opportunities for non-US students. 

It’s important to understand that this application only qualifies students for non-federal aid. Students must file the FAFSA to determine what federal sources of aid they qualify for. Up next, we’ll detail what is CSS Profile and how it compares to FAFSA. 

How is CSS Profile different from FAFSA?

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The main difference between the College Board CSS Profile and the FAFSA is the type of funding they qualify a student for. The CSS Profile qualifies students for non-federal, school-based financial aid. The FAFSA qualifies students for federal financial aid. Many CSS Profile schools will also require the FAFSA to ensure that students are maximizing all sources of financial aid. 

More in-depth questions

So, what is CSS Profile and how different is it from the FAFSA? As previously mentioned, the CSS Profile questions tend to be more in-depth than the FAFSA. This allows them to capture additional assets, expenses, and special circumstances that may impact a family’s ability to pay for college.

While both applications will use parent income and assets to determine eligibility, the College Board CSS Profile allows families to note any special circumstances and extraordinary expenses that the FAFSA may not capture. This can provide crucial context for financial aid offices when awarding aid. 

Application logistics

Additionally, the FAFSA is a free application, while the CSS Profile is not. While many families will qualify for a fee waiver, it’s important to account for the cost when going through the college admissions process. The FAFSA is also able to pull data directly from the IRS, streamlining the application for many families. The CSS Profile is unable to do this, requiring families to have copies of financial documents present when completing the application. 

Answering the CSS Profile questions may take families more time than filing the FAFSA. Additionally, the CSS Profile deadline will usually differ from the FAFSA deadline for each school. Regardless, it’s important to give yourself adequate time to fully complete each application. The CSS Profile login and FAFSA login will be different as well, so it’s crucial to stay on top of your account information. 

In general, both applications are used to help schools award financial aid. With more in-depth CSS Profile questions, schools are able to consider students for larger need-based scholarships. Many schools will require both applications, so it’s important to ensure you meet the CSS Profile deadline at each school. We’ll detail some more CSS Profile tips and tricks later in this guide, so keep reading! 

Is CSS Profile Required?

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While it is not required at every school, more than 300 schools and universities require the College Board CSS Profile as part of their financial aid process, per U.S. News. It’s important to note that this application is not required as a part of college admissions; it is only required if a student is applying for financial aid.  

As you build your college list, research which of your schools are CSS Profile schools. If you’re unsure if a school requires the application, be sure to check their financial aid website (like Baylor University’s site linked here).

As each school has limited financial aid funding, ensuring that you meet the CSS Profile deadline is crucial. Many schools will have a different CSS Profile deadline and FAFSA deadline, so you should plan to complete both applications by their posted deadline. Creating a calendar of each school’s CSS Profile deadline and college admissions deadline can help you stay on track! 

Given the competitive college admissions statistics at top schools, completing your required financial aid applications early can help you focus on your admissions application. If your dream school requires it, it’s important to meet the CSS Profile deadline with time to spare, allowing your application to process with minimal stress. 

Which Colleges Require College Board CSS Profile?

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Many different colleges and universities use the College Board CSS Profile, from public universities like Arizona State University to most private schools like Northwestern University. Broadly, this application is largely used by private universities, as they often have private financial aid funding. As the application qualifies students for non-federal sources of aid, it’s understandable that CSS Profile schools tend to be private. 

An easy way to research requirements is by reviewing the College Board’s list of participating institutions. You’ll see many of the most competitive schools on this list, and it’s likely your dream school is too! 

The College Board CSS Profile is also used through the international college admissions process for some schools, allowing international students to qualify for institutional aid. The CSS Profile for international students helps international college admissions reach students across income levels, creating robust opportunities for funding. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of CSS Profile schools, don’t worry! The application makes it easy to submit to multiple schools, so you’ll only have to fill it out once. However, if your family doesn’t qualify for a College Board CSS Profile fee waiver, each school will result in an additional fee. Try to factor this in when planning your college admissions journey. 

Do I need to complete the CSS Profile?

If you plan to apply for institutional need-based grants and scholarships, then yes–you will need to complete the College Board CSS Profile. This application is the only way to receive non-federal need-based aid at the majority of schools, so it’s crucial you apply before the CSS Profile deadline for each school on your list. 

If you are an international student, you’ll want to review the international college admissions policies around financial aid before completing your application. While the CSS Profile for international students is often an option, some schools are unable to offer need-based grants to international students. Schools will outline their international college admissions policies on their financial aid websites, however, it can be helpful to call and inquire whether to submit the CSS Profile for international students. 

Lowering your college costs

This application uses your family’s financial information to determine the amount of need-based aid you qualify for. While it is not always a formal college admissions requirement, we recommend all students submit a College Board CSS Profile, even if they don’t think they will qualify. 

While most schools will use this application exclusively for need-based aid, some schools use it to determine merit awards as well. It doesn’t hurt to submit your application to all of the schools on your list–it just ensures that you’re exploring all options for college financing. Submitting this application to your dream school, or any school, will only heighten your chances of receiving aid, so it’s in your best interest to apply. 

With the rising cost of college and the major financial burden that comes with a four-year degree, the College Board CSS Profile can help your family manage the cost of higher education. You don’t know what you might be eligible for until you apply, so plan ahead and submit early! 

Understanding the CSS Profile Eligibility Criteria

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How do schools use the information from your application? Schools use the information provided to determine a student’s eligibility for need-based institutional financial aid. While the information on the CSS Profile is similar to the FAFSA, each application uses a slightly different formula to establish eligibility. Additionally, the College Board CSS Profile calculation may differ from school to school, as each school is able to customize certain questions. 

While we don’t know the specifics of each calculation, we do know the financial factors that the application takes into consideration. The main driver of the calculation is parent income, and the application will use data from your parent’s tax returns to establish eligibility. So, you’ll need to submit their most recent Federal Tax returns and any other related tax forms.

Assets, household size, and non-custodial parents

In addition to parent income, the application also factors in parent assets (including the equity on a family’s primary residence), investments, businesses, untaxed income, and retirement savings. While the FAFSA also factors in parent assets, the CSS Profile has more in-depth questions and considers assets, such as homeownership and retirement, that the FAFSA does not. 

Your family’s household size will be considered, as well as any siblings in college. The application defines household size as the number of family members your parents provide more than 50% of financial support to during the academic year. So, when asking yourself, “What is CSS Profile household size?”, making sure your household size is accurate will help ensure you account for all allowable expenses. 

Additionally, the College Board CSS Profile factors in non-custodial parent information. At that, you may be wondering, “What is CSS Profile for a noncustodial parent?” For students whose parents are divorced or separated, the noncustodial parent is the parent with whom the student does not live. Noncustodial parent information is not required on the FAFSA; however, it’s expected that both biological parents report financial information on the CSS Profile. However, many schools will provide a noncustodial parent waiver process for students unable to provide this information. 

Where can I begin completing College Board CSS Profile?

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You can complete your application on the College Board’s website. So, your CSS Profile login will be essential. The good news is, if you’ve taken the SAT or an AP exam, your CSS Profile login will be the same one used to review your test scores. If you haven’t taken these exams, you will need to create a CSS Profile login before completing the application. 

The application will first collect information about your family and household size, as well as allow you to add the schools you’d like to send your application to. You will then need to report income information for your family, so it’s important to have your parents’ tax documents available.

Important documents

You should plan to have these documents ready: 

  • Federal 1040 Tax Return 
  • All W2s, 1099s, and any other records of income 
  • Records of untaxed income and benefits
  • Current asset information: bank statements, investments, values of property owned, and retirement account values 
  • Written explanation of any special circumstances you wish to report 

Beyond asking “what is CSS Profile,” you may be wondering how long it takes to complete. In general, it can take anywhere between 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your family’s finances. However, you don’t have to complete your application in one sitting. The application allows families to save their progress and come back later. 

There are many resources on CSS Profile tips and tricks to help you complete the application accurately and efficiently. You can read the College Board’s Student Guide as well as their guide on How to Complete the Application. Several other websites offer CSS Profile tips and tricks, such as Investopedia, Khan Academy, and Discover.  

CSS Profile and IDOC

The College Board also runs the Institutional Documentation Service, or IDOC. IDOC is a portal in which families can upload important documentation needed for their financial aid application, such as tax forms. It’s a secure service provided by the College Board, and many schools will require documentation to be submitted before financial aid can be awarded. 

You can access the IDOC service by using your CSS Profile login. You will then see a list of documents required by the schools you’ve submitted your application to. You’ll be able to upload your documentation and sign any required forms. Schools and colleges will be able to access this documentation and flag it for any errors. You can check the status of your documentation through the IDOC portal. 

In addition to tax forms, schools use IDOC to collect non-custodial parent waivers, non-filer forms, and information on any businesses your family may own. It’s important to know that not every school will use IDOC – some schools will use internal portals instead. You can check which schools use both the CSS Profile and IDOC here

How to complete the CSS Profile

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Completing all available financial aid applications is an important part of financing your college education. So, you’ll want to stay organized so you can successfully complete your application prior to the CSS profile deadline.

If you’re still asking yourself, “What is CSS profile?”, then learning the necessary steps will help you better understand the application. In fact, of all the CSS Profile tips and tricks, the most important is to simply understand the requirements, steps, and deadlines. 

Steps required to complete the College Board CSS profile

1. Research/check participating schools

You’ll want to know if the schools that you’re applying to require the CSS profile—many will! The good news is that you’ll only need to fill it out once. Then, you can send it to various schools. Start by looking at this list to see if your school is among the participating institutions. 

2. Create an account

You’ll need to sign in to your College Board account in order to complete your application. If you already have login information from the SAT, PSAT, or AP exams, then you’ll sign in using that same information. Otherwise, you’ll need to create an account, specifying the year in which you’re applying. Note that custodial parents will use the same login information as the student. However, noncustodial parents will need to create another account

3. Confirm deadlines

The CSS profile deadline will vary based on the CSS profile schools. Therefore, you’ll need to check each of the CSS profile schools you’re applying to for their specific CSS profile deadline. However, students can start completing and answering the CSS profile questions starting on October 1. 

4. Gather required documents

You’ll need to have some important documents on hand to determine your aid eligibility. Here are the documents you and your parents should have ready: most recently completed tax returns, W-2 forms and other records of current year income, records of untaxed income and benefits, assets, and bank statements.

5. Complete the application

You will need to fill out the application using the previously stated documents, as well as answering CSS profile questions. Keep in mind that both parents and students will be required to answer different CSS profile questions. Additionally, you don’t have to complete the application in one sitting. You can save and return without losing your information. You can also track your progress by going to the “sections” tab and seeing which have been completed. 

6. Add any participating colleges and programs

You will only need to complete the application once. From there you’ll select the CSS profile schools that you want to send the information to. If your family earns up to $100,000 a year, your application will be free. If not, the initial application fee will be $25. Each school you add after the first will be considered an “additional report” and will cost $16 each. 

7. Submit by the correct date

There is no singular CSS profile deadline. Rather, students will need to check their CSS profile schools to determine when their application is due. Do this early on, when researching your schools, so that you can manage your time and prepare your documents.

While the process may seem lengthy, College Board provides a range of online tutorials with information on how to complete the application as well as CSS profile tips and tricks. There is information for parents and guardians as well as for students. Therefore, if you use these resources, there shouldn’t be any surprises when answering the CSS profile questions. And, if you’re still wondering, “what is CSS profile?”, then check out this article from U.S. News for more information on the steps involved in completing the application. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the CSS Profile

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With so many applications and forms to fill out during your college journey, completing yet another application can feel overwhelming. However, there are some CSS profile tips and tricks you can use to streamline the process.

We’ve already answered the question, “What is CSS Profile?” and outlined the steps involved in completing the application. Now, let’s look at some common errors that students and parents frequently make, so you can be sure to avoid them.  

Common mistakes to avoid when completing the College Board CSS profile

Mixing up student vs. parent questions

There are sections in the application for both parents and students. Pay special attention to answering the CSS profile questions meant for you! One of the most common mistakes is parents filling out questions meant for students. 

Typos

Think of the College Board CSS profile just like any other application you fill out in the college admissions journey. Try to avoid typos—they can change the meaning of your answers or make it difficult to read. Proofread your answers to make sure they are coherent and free of mechanical errors. 

Not adding all the schools on your list

The application makes it fairly easy for you to add all of your CSS profile schools. Make sure to add all of your schools of interest so that they receive your completed application when you’re ready to submit. 

Not reporting for all relevant parties

This can be trickier for some students more than others based on their living situation. You’ll need to report financial information for noncustodial, divorced, or separated parents. Luckily, these FAQs simplify the process of how to fill out and report financial information for all relevant parties.  

Missing important documents

To complete your application, you need to make sure that you submit all of the required documents. Since these documents determine your financial eligibility to receive funding, including some scholarships, they are absolutely vital to the process.

When considering what is CSS Profile, it may be helpful to simply think of it as an opportunity! Financial aid helps many students pay for their college education, making the overall process less stressful. Therefore, place importance on correctly completing the application by taking your time and reading the instructions carefully.

And remember, it doesn’t have to be completed in one sitting. So, you can take breaks and come back to it as needed. Just be sure to have accurately completed and submitted the application by your schools’ deadlines. 

When Should I Submit CSS Profile?

Similar to other applications you will have to complete during the college admissions process, the CSS profile deadline depends on your CSS profile schools. Each school will have a different deadline. 

Additionally, when you want to apply will also affect your CSS deadline. For example, if you aim to apply to your dream school Early Decision or Early Action, you’ll have a different deadline than those applying Regular Decision. Therefore, students should factor in their College Board CSS Profile application into their overall application timeline.

Students who want to apply Early Decision to a school must have both their application and their College Board CSS profile prepared ahead of the school-specific November deadline. If you don’t have both completed, you risk gaining a binding acceptance without an adequate financial aid package. 

While deadlines for CSS Profile schools vary, students and parents can start completing the application as early as October 1. Additionally, if students want to get ahead of their application timeline, they can certainly submit their application early. Later we’ll get into how the College Board CSS profile relates to the international college admissions process as well. But, international students should keep the same tip in mind: check college admissions sites for your specific deadline! 

When is the CSS Profile Due?

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As we’ve mentioned, the CSS Profile deadlines will correspond to college admissions deadlines. Typically, the CSS Profile deadline will closely follow the application deadline—or may even be the same day. Similar to admissions deadlines, CSS Profile deadlines are usually in November for early applicants and January-March for regular applicants. It’s important to note that the CSS Profile will typically be due earlier than the FAFSA deadline.

To get a better idea of timelines, let’s look at a couple participating schools and their deadlines. For example, Claremont McKenna College has an ED I application deadline of November 1 and a CSS Profile deadline of November 8. However, for those applying ED II or Regular Decision, the application is due January 10 and the CSS Profile is due January 17. The FAFSA deadline for all students is March 1. 

Brown University has an ED application deadline of November 1. The CSS Profile is due the same date. However, the RD application deadline is January 3 and the corresponding CSS Profile deadline is February 1. Again, the FAFSA for all students, no matter their application deadline, is March 1. 

It’s also important to keep in mind that your submission will be based on Eastern time. So, students should plan accordingly to make sure they meet their schools’ deadlines, regardless of where they are applying from. Additionally, many schools may provide their own set of useful College Board CSS Profile tips and tricks. Therefore, always check out the school’s college admissions site for useful information to help you submit your application on time. 

How to create a College Board CSS Profile Login?

To complete the application, students will need to log in to their College Board account. Some students may already have a College Board account that they created for the SAT, PSAT, or AP. In this case, you can simply use the same username and password to log in. However, if you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one. 

Parents will also need to log in to the College Board in order to answer the CSS profile questions that pertain to them. Custodial parents will use the same account as the student. However, noncustodial parents will need to complete a second CSS Profile using their own separate account and login information. 

Students should record their username and password for the next time they need to log in. Keep in mind, you may want to complete the application in multiple sittings. If this is the case you can save the information and logout, continuing later. Students are also able to access their dashboard once they are logged into their accounts. This allows them to track their progress in completing the College Board CSS Profile. 

What is the cost of the CSS Profile?

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While completing the FAFSA is free, the College Board CSS Profile differs in that it does have an associated application fee. The initial application cost of submitting to a single institution is $25. For each application to any additional institutions, it will cost $16. 

The College Board CSS Profile is meant to be another resource to help students and families pay for college. The College Board understands that this cost may be a burden for students and their families. Therefore, they do offer fee waivers to eligible students.

Fee Waiver Options

If you and your family are concerned about the cost of paying for the College Board CSS Profile, the good news is that students can apply for fee waivers. Of course, students must meet certain qualifications. However, qualifying students will receive fee waivers that cover all costs related to submitting the initial and subsequent reporting fees. 

To qualify for a fee waiver, applicants must be domestic undergraduate students who fall into one of the following categories: 

  • Your family’s adjusted gross income is less than $100,000. 
  • You previously qualified for an SAT fee waiver. 
  • You are an orphan or ward of the court under the age of 24. 

Additionally, noncustodial parents may apply for a fee waiver to complete their portion of the application if they have a yearly family adjusted gross income of up to $100,000.

However, if you are concerned about covering the cost, you won’t have to stress too much about deciphering if you are eligible for a fee waiver or not. Once you enter your CSS profile login, and start working on the application, students will learn of their eligibility. The College Board automatically considers all domestic applicants and checks to see if they meet the eligibility requirements based on the questions answered and documents submitted. 

CSS Profile For International Students

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If you’re in the midst of the international college admissions process and are wondering, “What is CSS Profile?”, the answer is simple. The CSS Profile for international students is the same as those for domestic students, and international students can also benefit from completing the application.

To complete the College Board CSS profile for international students, simply create or use your existing CSS profile login. There you will be able to complete the CSS profile for international students. Keep in mind that you will need to submit the same documents to successfully complete the CSS profile for international students, including your parent’s tax returns. 

While the CSS profile for international students is the same application as the one completed by domestic students, there are a couple of key differences to be aware of when completing the CSS profile for international students. First, all forms must be translated into English before being submitted. This includes all financial documents. Second, while you will enter your financial information in the currency you use at home, your information will ultimately be converted to U.S. dollars for the schools to review. And, it’s important to note that students can only report in one currency, not multiple. 

If you’re an international student still wondering, “What is CSS Profile and how do I complete it?”, then check out this useful tutorial from the College Board. Sometimes the international college admissions process can be confusing. However, in this case, the process is relatively straightforward and similar to the process of domestic students. 

How to Appeal for More Financial Aid Using Your CSS Profile

We now know the answer to, “what is CSS profile?” And, as we’ve mentioned, your CSS Profile opens you up to more financial aid options than the FAFSA alone. Essentially, it’s an opportunity to receive institutional financial support. By completing the CSS profile questions and application accurately, you’re providing a more complete picture of your financial circumstances. In fact, many students find themselves qualifying for more generous aid packages than if they’d simply completed the FAFSA. 

However, there aren’t necessarily any tips and tricks to getting more financial aid. You’ll simply need to accurately and completely fill out the application by the CSS Profile deadline at your school(s) of interest. That being said, it’s important to note that any errors in your profile could limit the amount of aid you’re offered. Therefore, if you’ve made an error, you can update your application to reflect the correct information. However, if you do make a change, be sure to contact each school’s financial aid office to notify them of the update. 

Updating Your CSS Profile Information

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Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is CSS Profile?”, you may be wondering, “How can I update my CSS Profile if I need to?” Mistakes can happen and things can change. Therefore, once you’ve successfully submitted your application, you may find that you need to make an update. Whether it was an error or a change in your financial situation, you want to make sure that your application accurately reflects your circumstances. The good news is that you can easily use your CSS Profile login to update this information. 

After you’ve entered your dashboard with your CSS Profile login, click “Correct Your CSS Profile.” Keep in mind that students can only make one correction per academic year through the College Board. For any additional updates, you’ll need to directly contact each of the schools you applied to. That’s why it’s important to fill out the information accurately the first time if possible.  

In addition to being able to adjust the application via your CSS Profile login, College Board also has a Customer Support line to help students navigate required updates, including missing parent data or information. There are separate phone numbers for domestic versus international applicants. 

While there are options to correct errors, you should try to avoid doing so. Double-check all of your information before submitting. This way, you don’t have to worry about encountering any other issues down the line. 

College Board CSS Profile – Final Takeaways

After all of this information, we’re sure you can now comprehensively answer the question, “What is CSS Profile?”. Overall, it is an excellent opportunity to get additional help paying for college. The college admissions process can be stressful, and financial aid is an integral part of enrolling at your dream school. And, as we mentioned, the College Board CSS Profile can help ease both the domestic and international college admissions process.

Take advantage of this opportunity to gain additional institutional funding by completing the College Board CSS Profile. This could lessen the amount of student loans you need to take out, and overall alleviate some of the financial stress that comes from paying for your dream school. And remember that it is a requirement for many schools. 

More financial aid resources

In addition to reading these College Board CSS Profile tips and tricks, CollegeAdvisor has plenty of resources to help you apply for financial aid. You can watch our webinars Financial Aid Deep Dive and Navigating Financial Aid and Scholarships for College. Additionally, check out the webinars on Financial Aid and Scholarships 101 and How to Compare Financial Aid Packages. And, if you’re interested in Questbridge, or the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, you can watch our webinar on Financial Aid Scholarships as well. Finally, you can read our guide on How to Pay for College. All of this information will help you better understand how to finance your college education.

While we provided ample information on what is CSS Profile in this article, you may be looking for personalized help. CollegeAdvisor can help students navigate every aspect of the admissions process, including applying for financial aid at CSS Profile schools. In addition to personalized advising, CollegeAdvisor offers students a myriad of free resources to help them through the college admissions process. From webinars to comprehensive guides to expert advising, CollegeAdvisor is here to help!


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This article was written by senior advisor Jess Klein and Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.