The CSS Profile is an application for college financial aid required by 300 colleges, universities and scholarship organizations. Completing the CSS Profile, short for the College Scholarship Service ...

Completing the CSS profile can help you qualify for non-federal aid opportunities. This form, unlike the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , is used by a limited number of colleges. It ...

All schools accept the FAFSA for federal aid, but only some accept the CSS Profile for state and institutional aid. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile are the most common financial ...

Priority filing dates for new and returning students as it relates to the CSS Profile and FAFSA. Note for Returning Students: You can submit the 2026-2027 FAFSA starting October 1, 2025. We will not ...

The CSS Profile, administered by the College Board, is a crucial tool for students seeking financial aid from colleges beyond federal support. Unlike the FAFSA, which determines eligibility for ...

This financial aid form is the key to non-federal aid at some colleges Greg Daugherty has worked 25+ years as an editor and writer for major publications and websites. He is also the author of two ...

The CSS Profile is a financial aid application for school-based aid like scholarships and grants. You’ll still need to complete the FAFSA to qualify for federal and state financial aid. Unlike the ...

Hundreds of colleges use the CSS Profile to award institutional grants and scholarships to students. The 2025-26 form opened on Oct. 1, 2024. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are ...

The CSS Profile, managed by the College Board, helps students access institutional financial aid beyond federal support. Unlike the FAFSA, it provides colleges with a detailed view of income, assets, ...