CSS Profile Walk-through

Filling out the CSS Profile can be one of the most confusing parts of applying for financial aid — but it doesn’t have to be. Unlike the FAFSA, the CSS Profile digs deeper into your family’s finances and is required by many private colleges to award institutional aid. In this walk-through video, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the form, explain what each section means, and share tips to help you avoid common mistakes — so you can complete your CSS Profile with confidence.

If you're not sure if you'll be required to complete the CSS Profile, check out the list of schools that require it at this link. This list is updated each year, so be sure to check with each institution's financial aid department.