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If you work with students at any stage of the college process, you're likely aware of the numerous tasks they must complete to obtain financial aid. One such task is the CSS Profile, a critical component of the financial aid process administered by the College Board. The CSS Profile plays a significant role in determining financial aid eligibility at many (though not all) private colleges and universities. Here are some essential points to keep in mind as you support students with the CSS Profile.

 

It's Critical to Obtaining Institutional Financial Aid

For students applying to colleges that require the CSS Profile, submitting it by the published deadline is essential. The CSS Profile is the way these colleges determine financial aid eligibility for their funds, so students who do not submit the CSS Profile may miss out on institutional aid entirely.

 

Requires More Information than the FAFSA

The CSS Profile offers colleges a more comprehensive view of a student's financial situation. This means students and parents will need to gather and provide additional information beyond what's required for the FAFSA. You can reference and share uAspire's CSS Profile Checklist to help families get organized.

May Require Information from Both Parents

Unlike the FAFSA, which typically requires information only from the parent who provides the majority of financial support if parents are divorced or separated, the CSS Profile may require both parents to complete it. In such cases, each parent must fill out a separate CSS Profile form. The noncustodial parent will need to create a College Board account to complete their own CSS Profile, ensuring the student remains eligible for financial aid from the college. If it would be harmful or impossible for the student to get their second parent to complete the CSS Profile for them, they may qualify for a waiver.  Refer to uAspire's student handout on Noncustodial CSS Profile waivers for students with special circumstances, and reach out to the college for more information.

Students with Legal Guardians Aren't Automatically Treated as Independent

Some students may have qualified as independent on the FAFSA because they have a court-ordered legal guardian. However, colleges that use the CSS Profile may handle legal guardianship differently. Depending on the institution, they might require parental information, legal guardian information, or just the student's information. It's important to check with each college's financial aid office to understand their specific policies and complete the form accordingly.

Deadlines Vary Based on College, Application Type, and Other Factors

Students should check the financial aid section of each college's website for specific CSS Profile submission deadlines. These deadlines may differ from FAFSA deadlines. Students applying for early action or early decision often have earlier deadlines than those applying for regular decision. Rising freshmen, transfer students, and upperclassmen might have different CSS Profile deadlines at the same college, so it's important to verify each one individually.
 

Students with DACA, TPS, or No Status Should Still Complete It

Even if students aren't eligible for federal financial aid due to their immigration status, they should still complete the CSS Profile if their prospective colleges require it. For international students or those with a valid nonimmigrant visa, it's important to check the CSS Profile Participating Institutions List to determine if the college mandates the CSS Profile for all students, regardless of their domestic or international status.

While the CSS Profile can be challenging to complete, uAspire is here to help. Explore our other financial aid resources to share with your students, and feel free to email studentsupport@uaspire.org for personalized assistance.