CSS Profile: What It Is and How To Fill It Out

The CSS Profile is a financial aid application that some colleges and scholarship programs use to award institutional aid. Unlike the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for federal student aid, the CSS Profile helps schools decide how much of their own grant and scholarship money you qualify for. 

Here’s what to know about how the CSS Profile works, who should complete it, and how much it costs. 

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What is the CSS (College Scholarship Service) Profile?

The CSS Profile is an online financial aid application administered by the College Board. More than 250 colleges, universities, and scholarship programs use it to award non-federal financial aid, such as grants and scholarships from the school.  

“The main benefit of completing a CSS Profile is access to institutional aid you cannot get through the FAFSA,” says Brennan Kolar, founder of Atlas CPA Index, a platform that helps students evaluate their CPA Exam preparation options. 

“Many of these schools have large endowments and give out their own need-based grants, and the CSS Profile is how they decide who receives that money.”  

Not all schools use the CSS Profile, so check the College Board’s CSS Profile Participating Institutions and Programs 2026-27 to see if yours participates. 

Who needs to fill out the CSS Profile?

You only need the CSS Profile if you’re applying to a college, university, or scholarship program that requires it. As of June 2026, more than 250 institutions use the CSS Profile, including highly selective schools like Harvard and Yale. 

“In the case of divorced parents, most CSS schools will require both parents to file the form, though each parent cannot see the other's information,” says Jack Wang, college financial aid adviser and host of the Smart College Buyer podcast.   

“Some schools also require international students to fill out the CSS, given that those students are generally ineligible to fill out the FAFSA,” Wang adds.

How is the CSS Profile different from FAFSA?

The FAFSA is a free application used by the federal government to determine eligibility for public grants, loans, and work-study programs. The CSS Profile is a fee-based application utilized by specific colleges and private organizations to distribute institutional aid based on a more detailed financial review.

The table below outlines some key differences between the CSS Profile and the FAFSA. 

How do you complete the CSS Profile?

You complete the CSS Profile through your College Board account, providing comprehensive family financial information and details about your chosen colleges. There may be additional, school-specific requirements after you submit the initial application. 

You don’t have to complete the CSS Profile in one sitting. The application asks for detailed information about your family’s finances, so it may take more than one session to finish. 

“If you're fully prepared for the CSS, that form can take two hours,” says Wang. 

Here’s how to complete your CSS Profile application:

1. Create a College Board account

You’ll need a College Board account to start the CSS Profile. If you already have one from taking the SAT, PSAT, or AP exams, use that same account. Otherwise, create a new one. 

If your parents are helping you complete the application, your custodial parent can use your account. A noncustodial parent will need to create a separate College Board account.  

2. Gather documents and family information

The CSS Profile asks for extensive financial information. Be prepared to provide the following details:

• Federal tax returns
• W-2 forms
• All records of the current year's income
• Records of untaxed income and benefits
• All assets, including home equity, small business value, retirement account balances, and more
• Bank statements

“While the CSS Profile may seem more intrusive into a family’s financial background, the application provides colleges and universities with more information to calculate and award need-based financial aid to meet the maximum level of a student's demonstrated need,” says Tom O’Hare, college adviser at Get College Going. 

3. Add your colleges and programs

After entering your family’s financial information, you can add the colleges and scholarship programs that should receive your CSS Profile. Search for each school or program and add it to your application.  

If you need to add another school after submitting the CSS Profile, you can do that through your College Board dashboard.

4. Review and submit your application

Before submitting your application, review everything carefully. Incorrect or missing information could delay your application or affect how much aid you’re eligible to receive. 

“If there is a specific reason your family's financial situation is unusual (e.g., recent job loss, high medical expenses), use the 'Additional Information' section to explain it to the aid officers,” says Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO and founder of Prep Expert.

If you notice a mistake after submitting the form, you may be able to update it by selecting the ‘Correct Your CSS Profile’ button on your dashboard. 

5. Check for follow-up requirements

Some schools require more information. If a school you’re considering needs more financial information, you’ll see this posted to your College Board dashboard. Make sure to provide any supporting details requested by your colleges to make sure you’re considered for all financial aid opportunities. 

If you’re eligible for aid opportunities, your school’s financial aid office will let you know. 

How much does the CSS Profile cost?

The CSS Profile application costs $25 for your initial application. Each additional school or program report costs $16. 

Some students qualify for a fee waiver, which lets them submit the CSS Profile for free. You may qualify if: 

• Your family income is up to $100,000
• You’re an orphan or ward of the court under age 24
• You qualified for an SAT fee waiver