What CSS Profile should I fill out for college applications?

I'm diving into the financial aid process this year, and I've heard a bit about the CSS Profile. I'm trying to figure out which version I need to complete. Is there a specific one for students applying for the upcoming college application season? Any guidance on how I can make sure I'm filling out the right one and submitting it on time?

In terms of the CSS Profile, there's not exactly a "version" to fill out, but rather different applications for different academic years. If you're applying for financial aid for the upcoming academic year, you should be completing the CSS Profile for that corresponding year.

For instance, if you're applying for financial aid for the 2025-2026 academic year, you should complete the 2025-2026 CSS Profile. Each academic year's CSS Profile becomes available on October 1st of the prior year, so the 2025-2026 CSS Profile would have become available on October 1, 2024.

In terms of ensuring you've completed it on time, each college or program sets their own deadlines for the CSS Profile, and they can greatly vary. Therefore, you should look up each specific school's financial aid deadline on their website or contact their financial aid office if the information is not readily available.

Be aware that some schools have "priority filing deadlines," which means submitting by that date will give you the best chance to receive university-based aid. But they'll still accept it after the priority deadline and give out remaining university-based aid as available. Other schools have "hard filing deadlines," where they won't accept it at all after a certain date. So, be sure to keep track of these dates and begin your application with plenty of time to spare!

Remember, financial aid is a key part of the college application process, and the CSS Profile is often a critical piece to securing non-federal aid. Best of luck, and let me know if you have more questions!