Learn which schools require the CSS Profile

Overview

The CSS Profile is a more detailed financial aid application used by many private colleges to distribute their own institutional aid. If you're applying to private schools, this one's important!

Quick Facts

• Website: cssprofile.collegeboard.org
• Cost: $25 for first school, $16 each additional
• Fee waivers: Available for families with income up to $100,000

Who Requires It?

About 400 schools, primarily private universities:

• All Ivy League schools
• Stanford, MIT, Duke, Northwestern
• Most top liberal arts colleges

Check your schools: CSS Profile School List

How It Differs from FAFSA

CSS Profile considers:

• Home equity
• Small business value
• Non-custodial parent income (if parents are divorced)
• Medical expenses

Timeline

• Opens October 1
• Submit at least 2 weeks before each school's financial aid deadline

Note for UC/CSU Applicants

UCs and CSUs do NOT require CSS Profile — only FAFSA.