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In the US, limited funds available through federal programmes like Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) don’t cover the full expenses of attending college. So, non-federal funds are crucial for US students. Non-federal financial aid, which includes institutional grants, scholarships, and loans from colleges and private organizations, can bridge the gap between federal aid and the total cost of education.Additionally, non-federal aid often provides more flexibility and larger awards compared to federal aid, which is typically capped.
The CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) is a financial aid application used by numerous colleges, universities, and scholarship programs in the U.S. to award non-federal financial aid. Administered by the College Board (the same organization behind the SAT), the CSS Profile collects detailed financial information about the student and their family to help institutions determine eligibility for institutional grants, loans, and scholarships.
Unlike the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the CSS profile allows families to present a more detailed overview of their financial situation, highlighting special circumstances that may impact their ability to contribute to tuition and expenses.
Institutes accepting CSS Profile
Approximately 270 colleges, universities, and scholarship organizations mandate the submission of the CSS Profile. Although a majority of these are private institutions, there are also some public schools included in this group. Numerous renowned Universities like Cornell University, Duke University, and Yale University accept the CSS profile to grant financial aid to the students. Candidates can check the complete list of the schools accepting CSS profile from here.
FAFSA vs. CSS Profile: A comparitive analysis
FAFSA offers access to federal and state financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans, and is free to apply. The application requires personal information from both students and parents, along with details about income and assets, including business income. Eligibility extends to U.S. citizens and certain non-U.S. citizens, such as asylum seekers, permanent residents, and refugees. FAFSA can be submitted to any post-secondary institution that participates in federal financial aid programs, and applicants must renew their application annually.
In contrast, the CSS Profile focuses on grants, scholarships, and loans provided by individual schools. It involves a fee of $25 for the first institution and $16 for each additional school. This application demands a broader scope of financial information, including bank statements, records of untaxed income and benefits, as well as medical expenses. The CSS Profile is available to both U.S. citizens and international students, but it is only accepted by participating institutions. Like FAFSA, it also requires annual renewal.
How to fill out the CSS profile form?
Students applying to a college that requires the CSS Profile or families seeking financial aid and interested in schools that utilize the form should follow these steps.
Make a College Board Account
Students who have taken the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), Preliminary SAT (PSAT), or Advanced Placement (AP) exams may already have a College Board account, which can be used to complete the CSS Profile. Sign in or create a profile on the College Board’s website.
Gather Necessary Documentation
The CSS Profile requires tax documents from the same year as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is necessary for students interested in receiving federal financial aid. Students who have already completed the FAFSA can use much of the same documentation for the CSS Profile.
On both forms, families report their income from two years prior to the year a student plans to attend college. For instance, a family completing the form for the 2025-2026 academic year will use the 2023 federal tax return.
However, families should expect to need additional documents. These include their Wage and Tax Statement (W-2) forms and other records of current-year income, records of untaxed income and benefits, assets, and bank statements, according to the College Board.
Select Colleges
Students can specify which colleges they want to receive their CSS Profile. There is no limit to the number of schools a student can apply to, even under a fee waiver.
Complete the Application
Students should complete the CSS Profile every year they want institutional financial aid. Experts recommend using these sections to describe any financial situations not apparent on their tax forms or in other questions, such as the costs of caring for a grandparent overseas or other financial hardships.
Submit the Application
Families must pay a fee or receive a waiver before the CSS Profile will be sent to colleges. The application provides ample opportunities for individuals to detail any unique financial situations they may encounter.
Check Back
There may be additional instructions after the CSS Profile is submitted. Students should refer to the College Board’s dashboard for action items and to see a payment receipt. After submission, students can still add colleges to which they would like their profile sent, though they will be charged for each additional school.
If a student notices a mistake after submission, one correction per academic year can be made through the “Correct Your CSS Profile” section on their dashboard. Beyond that, students must contact recipient schools directly.
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