CSS Profile Guide for 2025


What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to File It Right

💬 What Is the CSS Profile?

The CSS Profile is a separate financial aid form required by many private and selective colleges.
Unlike the FAFSA, which determines federal aid eligibility, the CSS Profile is used by colleges to award their own institutional aid.

Administered by College Board
~200 colleges require it for 2025–2026
Typically due before FAFSA priority deadlines

🧠 Who Should File the CSS Profile?

✅ Students applying to private or highly selective schools
✅ Families hoping for need-based aid at schools like Duke, NYU, Emory, or Vanderbilt
✅ Middle- and upper-middle-income families—because many CSS schools offer need-aware or need-sensitive admissions

🏫 Examples of Colleges That Require CSS Profile

  • Duke University

  • Emory University

  • Vanderbilt University

  • University of Richmond

  • Wake Forest

  • Davidson College

  • University of Southern California

  • Boston College

  • NYU

  • And over 200 more…

Not sure if your schools require it? We’ll help you check.

✅ CSS Profile Tips for 2025

1. Know the Deadlines

Each college sets its own CSS deadline—some as early as November 1 for Early Decision.

2. Gather Detailed Financial Info

Be ready to report:

  • Assets (including savings & investments)

  • Parent income (W-2s or tax returns)

  • Value of your home (yes, really)

  • Expenses (private school tuition, medical bills, etc.)

3. Divorced/Separated Families: Be Ready

Most CSS schools require a Noncustodial Parent profile. Get ahead of this—don’t let it delay your aid.

🛠️ How College Refocus Helps

We offer:
✅ Step-by-step CSS Profile help
✅ Coordination with FAFSA
✅ Review of parent and student data
✅ Strategy for minimizing aid reductions
✅ College-specific deadline reminders

Even families with income over $100K may qualify for institutional grants at CSS schools—we help you apply with confidence.

💬 What Families Say

“We assumed we wouldn’t get anything because of our income—but College Refocus helped us apply for the CSS Profile at Emory and Vanderbilt. We received $30k in aid.”
— Anderson, SC

📞 Need Help Filing the CSS Profile?

This form is complex—but the rewards can be huge.

🎯 Book a free CSS Profile help session to:

👉 Schedule Free CSS Profile Help »

🔗 Helpful Links