Information for Parents

Learn more about completing the CSS Profile as a parent and creating an account as a divorced, separated, or noncustodial parent.

Participating Institutions

What to Know About CSS Profile

The fast facts below about CSS Profile and the application will help you support students more quickly and seamlessly through the process.

Check Participating Schools

Not all schools require CSS Profile. We encourage you (and your students) to check the participating list of institutions to ensure your student's school(s) of interest accept CSS Profile. However, not all schools choose to be published on this list. If your student's institution is requesting the CSS Profile application, they should plan to submit.

Participating Institutions

Plan Ahead

Encourage students and families to gather required documents prior to starting their CSS Profile application. A list of required documents is available on our Getting Started page.

What to Expect

Students and families can expect questions on the types of information below, and we've linked to some of our most commonly asked questions in these sections.

Student Information

Applicants can expect to answer questions about the student, including information including current school year, residence, and student employment or assets.

Participating Institutions

Parent Information

Applicants can expect to answer questions about the student's guardian, with questions regarding parent residence, employment, expenses, and assets. Hint: questions about the parents will typically include the parent/guardian name within the question.

Special Circumstances

CSS Profile includes a "Special Circumstances" question to help families provide a more complete picture of their financial circumstances, including unexpected medical expenses, job changes, or other.

PLACEHOLDER

Is there another section I'm missing?

Video Overview

This short, 10-minute recording provides a brief overview of the CSS Profile application.

Review All FAQs for Parents