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If you work with students at any stage of the college process, you're likely familiar with the many steps they must complete to access financial aid. One important step for students applying to certain colleges and universities is the CSS Profile, an application administered by the College Board that helps participating institutions determine eligibility for their own grants and scholarships.

The 2027-28 CSS Profile opened September 15, 2026, and there are several important updates practitioners should know as they support students through the application process.

It's Critical to Obtaining Institutional Financial Aid

For students applying to colleges that require the CSS Profile, submitting it by the school's published deadline is essential. While the FAFSA determines eligibility for federal financial aid, the CSS Profile helps participating colleges determine eligibility for their own institutional grants and scholarships.

Students who do not complete the CSS Profile may miss out on significant institutional financial aid. Encourage students to check the list of participating institutions and confirm whether their colleges require the application.

It Requires More Information than the FAFSA

The CSS Profile provides colleges with a more detailed picture of a student's financial circumstances. Students and families may need to report additional information about income, assets, expenses, and other financial circumstances beyond what's required on the FAFSA.

For the 2027-28 CSS Profile, families should prepare their 2025 tax information, along with current income records and other financial documents requested by the application. Encourage students to gather their documents early and use uAspire's CSS Profile Checklist to get organized. Families experiencing significant financial changes should also use the application's special circumstances section to explain how these changes affect their ability to pay for college.

Students may notice a new optional question asking for their FAFSA-calculated Student Aid Index (SAI). According to College Board, this question is used for internal research purposes only, and responses are not shared with colleges.

Some Students Will Complete a Shorter CSS Profile

Not all students will complete the same version of the CSS Profile. The CSS Profile Lite is a shorter application pathway designed for eligible low-income students that includes approximately half as many questions as the full application. Students who qualify are directed to this pathway rather than the full CSS Profile. Some colleges may ask supplemental questions through the full CSS Profile, although fewer institutions are using this feature. These supplemental questions are not included in the CSS Profile Lite pathway.

Practitioners should be aware that students may have different application experiences depending on their eligibility and the requirements of their colleges.

It May Require Information from Both Parents

Unlike the FAFSA, which generally requires information from the parent who provides the majority of financial support when parents are divorced or separated, the CSS Profile may require information from both parents.

At colleges that require both parents' information, the noncustodial parent typically completes a separate CSS Profile using their own College Board account. If contacting the other parent is impossible or unsafe, students may qualify for a noncustodial parent waiver. Colleges review these requests individually and may require supporting documentation.

Practitioners can share uAspire's Noncustodial Parent CSS Profile Waiver Request resource and encourage students to contact each college's financial aid office to understand its specific requirements.

Students with Legal Guardians Aren't Automatically Considered Independent

Students who qualify as independent on the FAFSA because they have a court-ordered legal guardian may not automatically receive the same treatment on the CSS Profile. Colleges using the CSS Profile may have different policies for students in legal guardianship, including whether parent or guardian financial information is required.

Practitioners should encourage students to contact each college's financial aid office early to clarify requirements and determine whether additional documentation or an institutional review is needed.

Deadlines Vary Based on College, Application Type, and Other Factors

Each college establishes its own CSS Profile deadlines, which may differ from FAFSA deadlines. Students applying through early action or early decision may face earlier deadlines than students applying through regular decision. Deadlines may also vary for first-year, transfer, and returning students. Encourage students to review each school's financial aid website and create a checklist of required applications and deadlines.

Students should also pay attention to time zones when submitting their applications and avoid waiting until the last minute.

Students With DACA, TPS, or Undocumented Status May Need to Complete It

Students who are ineligible for federal financial aid because of their immigration status may qualify for institutional financial aid at certain colleges. The CSS Profile no longer asks students to report their citizenship status. According to College Board, this change was made in response to evolving state privacy laws and to help protect student information.

However, removing this question does not change each college's institutional financial aid eligibility requirements. Practitioners should encourage students with DACA, TPS, or undocumented status to check whether their prospective colleges require the CSS Profile and offer institutional aid to students with their immigration status.

International students and students with nonimmigrant visas should also confirm each institution's application requirements and eligibility policies.

Don't Overlook Application Fees and Fee Waivers

Unlike the FAFSA, the CSS Profile generally charges $25 for the first institution and $16 for each additional institution. However, many students qualify for automatic fee waivers. For domestic undergraduate students, the CSS Profile is free if their family adjusted gross income is up to $100,000, they qualified for an SAT fee waiver, or they are an orphan or ward of the court under the age of 24.

Practitioners should help students understand CSS Profile fee waiver eligibility and encourage those who cannot afford the fee to explore available options before submitting.

Submitting the CSS Profile Isn't Always the Final Step

After submitting the CSS Profile, students should regularly check their College Board dashboard, email, and college financial aid portals for additional requirements. Some colleges use the Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC) to collect tax documents and other financial information. Students may need to submit these documents before their financial aid application is considered complete. Students can also make a correction to their submitted CSS Profile through their dashboard, although limitations apply.

Practitioners can help students stay on track by encouraging them to monitor outstanding requirements, respond to document requests, and follow up with financial aid offices when needed.

Supporting Students Through the CSS Profile Process

While the CSS Profile can be challenging, practitioners play an important role in helping students understand requirements, meet deadlines, and navigate complex family and financial circumstances.

Explore uAspire's financial aid resources to share with your students, and feel free to email studentsupport@uaspire.org for personalized assistance.