In addition to filing the FAFSA, some schools and scholarship opportunities also require the College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile). If that is the case, the school will share its code with you. That is why I’m sharing information about the application today.
What Is the CSS Profile?
CollegeBoard’s CSS Profile is an online application that is used to determine eligibility for financial aid. Almost 250 colleges are using the 2023-24 Profile. It was created and is maintained by the College Board and is used to award college financial aid, grants and scholarships from sources outside of the federal government.
You can check to see which schools require the application by checking the CollegeBoard’s 2023-24 participating institutions and programs page. You can also learn how to apply on the College Board’s CSS Profile page. (We filled out the application for my son last year and it was pretty easy.)
5 Application Tips
1. The CSS Profile opens each fall. The 2023-24 Profile opened on October 1, 2022. The application deadline varies based on the chosen institutions and programs. It is strongly suggested that you apply as soon as possible instead of waiting for the due date though.
2. Before starting the application, note that you will need your most recently completed tax returns, W-2 forms and other records of your current year’s income as well as records of untaxed income and benefits, assets and bank statements.
3. You don’t have to complete the application in one sitting. You can save it and return back to it later if you need to do so.
Another great thing is that you can make changes after submitting the application. You just click“Correct Your CSS Profile” on your dashboard.
4. Submitting your CSS Profile to one college or scholarship program costs $25 for the first application. Additional reports are $16 each. The application is free for families (of domestic undergraduate students) who make up to $100,000/year though.
5. Some participating institutions require applications from both biological parents in divorced or separated families. If the student doesn’t have contact with their noncustodial parent, they can submit a waiver request. You can learn more at the CSS Profile’s Divorced or Separated Parents Info page.
Tutorial
If you are a visual person, you can visit CollegeBoard’s 2023-24 CSS Profile Tutorial page. It’s a walkthrough of how to complete the application.
Since the CSS Profile provides access to more than $10 billion in nonfederal aid each year, apply (if needed) and get your portion.
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