Most families are familiar with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply for college financial aid. But more than 200 colleges, universities, and scholarship programs also require the CSS Profile to determine eligibility for their own financial aid. You can learn more about the application in our article, What Is the CSS Profile?.

If you’re completing a CSS Profile, use our step-by-step guide below. We also suggest you take advantage of our free resources, also included below. If you have questions, you can request a 1:1 appointment with a MEFA representative for help. However, it is best to complete as much of the CSS Profile as possible before your appointment so you can use your time with us to ask specific questions about your personal application.

Steps to Complete the CSS Profile

Step 1: Identify colleges that require the CSS Profile

• Check the list of participating institutions as well as each college’s financial aid webpage

Step 2: Gather financial information and documents

• For the student: federal tax return, W-2 forms, records of untaxed income, current bank account balances, records of any other assets
• For the parent/guardian: federal tax return(s), W-2 forms, 1099 forms, records of untaxed income, current bank account balances, investment account balances, business or farm information, records of any other assets

Step 3: Create a College Board account

• If needed, create a College Board account; if you took the SAT, you will use the same account to complete your CSS Profile

Step 4: Start your CSS Profile

• Visit the CSS Profile website and click the sign-in button near the top of the page to start a new CSS Profile; make sure to select the correct academic year—the year you plan to enroll in college
• Add every college or university on your list that requires the CSS Profile

Step 5: Complete the non-financial sections

• Student section: legal name, date of birth, address, citizenship/residency, contact information, current high school or college, expected graduation date, enrollment plans
• Family section: parent(s)/guardian(s), household members, marital status, number of siblings, family size

Step 6: Use your documents to complete the financial sections

• Be prepared to provide financial details about your household, including annual income, taxes paid, value of all financial accounts, value of businesses, home value, remaining mortgage balance, and other real estate information

Step 7: Consider special circumstances

• The CSS Profile allows you to explain if your family has experienced any circumstances that may affect your ability to pay for college, such as job loss, reduced income, divorce or separation, death of a parent, high medical expenses, and other unusual financial circumstances

Step 8: Reach out if you need help

• Request a MEFA 1:1 appointment if you need help with your CSS Profile
• Before your appointment, make sure you have:
  • Logged into your College Board account
  • Started your CSS Profile
  • Completed all non-financial sections
  • Added all your colleges that require the CSS Profile
  • Gathered your financial documents
  • Written down your questions

Helpful Tips

• Don’t wait until the deadline to start your CSS Profile.
• Answer every question honestly and accurately.
• Save your work frequently.
• If you’re unsure about an answer, leave it blank and return to it later after asking about it.
• Keep your financial documents together in one paper or digital folder for easy access.
• If you’re a returning student, check with your college to determine whether you need to complete the CSS Profile for the upcoming academic year.

CSS Profile Resources from MEFA

• What to Know About the CSS Profile: CSS Profile overview webinar
• Ask an Expert: All Your CSS Profile Questions: CSS Profile Q&A webinar with a college financial aid administrator
• Custodial and Non-Custodial Parents on the CSS Profile: Short video explaining custodial and non-custodial parent requirements on the CSS Profile
• Questions Parents Asked About the CSS Profile: Article with answers to commonly asked CSS Profile questions
• What Do I Include on the CSS Profile?: Article with guidance on what information you’ll be asked to provide on the CSS Profile

Completing the CSS Profile may feel overwhelming at first, but taking it one step at a time can make the process much more manageable. Use the walkthrough and resources in this article as your guide, and give yourself plenty of time to gather the information you’ll need before you begin. If you work through the steps and still have questions, or if there’s a part of the CSS Profile you’re unsure about, don’t hesitate to book a 1:1 appointment. We’re here to help.

If you’re a school counselor helping students with the CSS Profile, our PDF below provides guidance for students who want to schedule a MEFA 1:1 appointment for CSS Profile help. Feel free to share the link or print copies to have on hand to distribute.