Hey guys, I'm a junior in high school and I've heard about the CSS Profile, but I'm not exactly sure what it is or if I need to complete it. Can anyone explain the purpose of the CSS Profile and how to determine if I should fill it out? Thanks for your help!
Hi there! It's great that you're already thinking about college finances in your junior year. The CSS Profile is a financial aid application form used by some colleges and universities to determine your eligibility for non-federal financial aid, such as institutional scholarships and grants.
Unlike the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which is required by all colleges for federal aid, the CSS Profile is only required by certain institutions. You'll want to check each college's financial aid website to see if they require it. If they do, it's definitely worth completing!
The CSS Profile tends to be more in-depth than the FAFSA and may ask for additional financial information. There is a fee to submit the CSS Profile, but fee waivers are available for eligible students. My own child completed the CSS Profile last year, and it helped them receive additional financial aid from their university.
It's a good idea to start gathering your financial documents early, so you'll be prepared to complete both the FAFSA and CSS Profile when the time comes. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.