What is the CSS?

The CSS Profile is an online application used by colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal institutional aid such as endowments and university scholarships. Colleges and Universities have many discretionary scholarships at their disposal and will use your data to determine if you are a good candidate. The CSS takes a deeper dive into your family finances and expenses. Like FAFSA, the application window opens on October 1st. Also like the FAFSA, non-custodial parents are also required to complete the CSS Profile (if CSS is a requirement).  Not all schools require the CSS...here is a list of schools that do: https://profile.collegeboard.org/profile/ppi/participatingInstitutions.aspx