How can I tell which colleges require the CSS Profile?

I'm trying to figure out which of the colleges I'm applying to need the CSS Profile for financial aid. Is there a list somewhere, or do I just check each college's website? It's a bit overwhelming!

You're in the right direction. Each college's financial aid website usually provides information about whether or not they use the CSS Profile. Looking up each individual school you are applying to would give you the most accurate information. You could either search "[School Name] CSS Profile" in a search engine or go directly to their financial aid webpage.

However, in addition to this, there is an official list of all schools that use the CSS Profile on the website of the College Board, which administers the CSS Profile. You can go through this list to cross-check with the schools you're applying to.

Remember, filing the CSS Profile is an additional step beyond completing the FAFSA. Whereas the FAFSA is used to determine federal aid eligibility, the CSS Profile is used by over 400 colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal aid. It's a detailed and comprehensive process, so give yourself plenty of time to complete it. Keep in mind also that there's a fee to submit the CSS Profile, though waivers are available for students with financial need.

Again, each school has specific criteria, so it's a good idea to get the most accurate information from the school itself or the College Board's official list.