Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Why do I need to complete the CSS Profile?

The CSS Profile is a financial aid application that some colleges and universities require in addition to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It provides a more detailed picture of your family’s financial situation and helps schools determine your eligibility for non-federal financial aid, such as institutional grants and scholarships. Completing the CSS Profile allows schools to evaluate your need for financial assistance more accurately.

How do I know if my school requires the CSS Profile?

Not all schools require the CSS Profile, so it’s important to check the financial aid requirements of each school you’re applying to. You can usually find this information on the school’s financial aid website or by contacting their financial aid office directly. Additionally, the College Board website provides a list of schools that require the CSS Profile.

How do I add additional schools to the CSS Profile?

If you have already submitted the CSS Profile to one or more schools and need to add additional schools, you can do so by logging into your CSS Profile account and selecting the “Add a College” button. You will need to pay an additional fee for each school you add. It’s important to note that once you submit your CSS Profile to a school, you cannot make changes to that specific school’s application.

What documents do I need to complete the CSS Profile?

The specific documents required to complete the CSS Profile may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the requirements of the schools you’re applying to. However, some common documents that may be required include:

• Social Security numbers for you and your parents
• Tax returns, W-2 forms, and other income documentation
• Information about your family’s assets, such as bank statements and investment records
• Records of untaxed income, such as child support or veterans’ benefits
• Information about any noncustodial parents, stepparents, or legal guardians

It’s important to gather all necessary documents before starting the CSS Profile to ensure you have all the information you need to complete the application accurately.

Is my data secure? How is data transmitted?

The College Board takes the security and privacy of your data seriously. When you submit the CSS Profile, your data is encrypted and transmitted securely using industry-standard SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology. The College Board has implemented various security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular system monitoring. Additionally, the College Board adheres to all applicable laws and regulations regarding data privacy and security.

Accessing My Account

How do I set up my College Board account?

To set up your College Board account, go to the College Board website and click on the “Create Account” button. You will be asked to provide some basic personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and email address. Once you have created your account, you can use it to access various College Board services, including the CSS Profile.

What if I don’t remember my account/password?

If you don’t remember your College Board account password, you can click on the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. You will be prompted to provide the email address associated with your account, and instructions for resetting your password will be sent to that email address. If you don’t remember the email address associated with your account, you can contact College Board customer service for assistance.

Does my parent need an account to complete the CSS Profile?

No, your parent does not need their own College Board account to complete the CSS Profile. However, they will need to provide their own personal and financial information as part of the application process. You can enter this information on their behalf, or you can share your account login credentials with them so they can enter their information directly.

How to navigate the dashboard?

Once you log into your CSS Profile account, you will be taken to the dashboard. The dashboard provides an overview of your application progress and allows you to access different sections of the application. You can navigate the dashboard by clicking on the various links and buttons, such as “Profile,” “Family,” “Academic Information,” and “Payment.” Each section contains specific questions and prompts for you to complete.

How can I monitor my progress while completing the CSS Profile?

To monitor your progress while completing the CSS Profile, you can refer to the dashboard. The dashboard provides a visual representation of your progress, showing which sections of the application you have completed and which sections still need attention. You can also track your progress by checking off completed tasks and reviewing any error messages or missing information alerts that may appear. Additionally, you can save your progress and return to the application at a later time if needed.

Parents

Which parents do I include on my CSS Profile?

When completing the CSS Profile, you should include information for both of your biological or adoptive parents, regardless of their marital status or living situation. This includes parents who may not be involved in your day-to-day life or who do not provide financial support. If your parents are divorced or separated, you will need to provide information for both parents unless one parent has legal custody and provides the majority of your financial support.

How do I know if CSS Profile is required from both of my biological/adoptive parents if they are divorced/separated?

Each school sets its own requirements for the CSS Profile, so it’s important to check the financial aid requirements of each school you’re applying to. Some schools may require information from both parents, regardless of their marital status or living situation. Others may only require information from the custodial parent or the parent who provides the majority of financial support. You can usually find this information on the school’s financial aid website or by contacting their financial aid office directly.

What if my parents are divorced/separated? Which parent provides the majority of my financial support?

If your parents are divorced or separated, you will need to determine which parent provides the majority of your financial support. This is the parent whose information you should include on the CSS Profile. In cases where financial support is split evenly between both parents, you should include information for the parent with whom you live the majority of the time or who provides more financial assistance for your education.

Why would a parent need their own account log-in, and how do they create it?

A parent may need their own College Board account login if they want to access and complete the CSS Profile on their own. This can be helpful if the parent wants to enter their financial information directly or if they prefer to review and submit the application independently. To create a College Board account, the parent can go to the College Board website and click on the “Create Account” button. They will be asked to provide their personal information, such as their name, date of birth, and email address.

What if I do not have contact with my non-custodial parent?

If you do not have contact with your non-custodial parent or if it is not possible to obtain their financial information, you should indicate this on the CSS Profile. Most schools understand that there may be situations where it is difficult or impossible to obtain information from a noncustodial parent. However, you may be required to provide documentation or additional information to support your claim. It’s important to check the specific requirements of each school you’re applying to in these situations.

Are stepparents/my parent’s partners included?

In most cases, stepparents and a parent’s partners are included on the CSS Profile. If your custodial parent has remarried or has a partner, you will generally need to include their financial information as well. This is because the CSS Profile considers the income and assets of both biological or adoptive parents and their spouses or partners. However, it’s important to note that each school sets its own requirements for the CSS Profile, so it’s best to check the specific requirements of each school you’re applying to.

Fee Waivers/Cost

What is the cost of the CSS Profile?

The cost of the CSS Profile is $25 for the initial application and one college or program report. Each additional college or program report costs $16. Fee waivers are available for eligible students who demonstrate financial need. If you qualify for an automatic fee waiver based on your responses to the CSS Profile questions, the fee will be waived automatically when you submit your application. If you do not qualify for an automatic fee waiver but are unable to pay the fee, you can request a fee waiver through the CSS Profile application.

Who qualifies for a fee waiver?

To qualify for a fee waiver, you must meet certain criteria set by the College Board. These criteria typically include demonstrating financial need and meeting specific income guidelines. The College Board uses the information you provide on the CSS Profile to determine your eligibility for a fee waiver. If you qualify for a fee waiver, the application fee will be waived automatically when you submit your application.

What does a CSS Profile fee waiver cover?

A CSS Profile fee waiver covers the application fee for the CSS Profile itself. It allows eligible students to submit the CSS Profile without having to pay the $25 fee. The fee waiver does not cover any additional fees that may be associated with the CSS Profile, such as the cost of sending additional college or program reports. Each additional report costs $16, and this fee is not covered by the fee waiver.

When are students notified that they received a CSS Profile fee waiver?

If you qualify for an automatic fee waiver based on your responses to the CSS Profile questions, you will be notified immediately when you submit your application. The fee waiver will be applied automatically, and you will not be required to pay the $25 application fee. If you do not qualify for an automatic fee waiver but are unable to pay the fee, you can request a fee waiver through the CSS Profile application. You will be notified of your fee waiver status after your application has been reviewed.

What if I do not qualify for an automatic fee waiver and am unable to pay the fee?

If you do not qualify for an automatic fee waiver and are unable to pay the $25 CSS Profile application fee, you can request a fee waiver through the CSS Profile application. The fee waiver request will be evaluated based on your financial need and the specific circumstances of your situation. If your fee waiver request is approved, the application fee will be waived, allowing you to submit the CSS Profile without payment.

Are U.S. citizens living abroad eligible for a CSS Profile fee waiver?

Yes, U.S. citizens living abroad are eligible for a CSS Profile fee waiver if they meet the criteria set by the College Board. The fee waiver is available to eligible students who demonstrate financial need and meet specific income guidelines. U.S. citizens living abroad can request a fee waiver through the CSS Profile application, and their request will be evaluated based on their financial need and the specific circumstances of their situation.

International

Do I complete the CSS Profile in my home country currency?

No, the CSS Profile is completed in U.S. dollars. You will need to convert your income and asset information from your home country currency to U.S. dollars when completing the application. The CSS Profile uses the exchange rate in effect on the day you complete the application to convert your financial information to U.S. dollars. It’s important to use accurate and up-to-date exchange rates to ensure the accuracy of your application.

What if my parents’ income or assets are in two different currencies?

If your parents’ income or assets are in two different currencies, you will need to convert both amounts to U.S. dollars when completing the CSS Profile. You can use the exchange rate in effect on the day you complete the application to convert each amount to U.S. dollars. It’s important to use accurate and up-to-date exchange rates to ensure the accuracy of your application. If you’re unsure about the exchange rate to use, you can consult a reliable currency exchange website or contact your school’s financial aid office for guidance.

What is my parent tax return status as an international student?

As an international student, your parent’s tax return status will depend on the tax laws and regulations of your home country. Each country has its own tax laws and requirements, so it’s important to understand the specific rules that apply to your situation. When completing the CSS Profile, you will need to provide information about your parent’s tax return status based on the requirements of your home country. If you’re unsure about how to answer a specific question related to tax return status, you can consult a tax professional or contact your school’s financial aid office for guidance.

What do I submit to IDOC if my parents do not file U.S. Tax Returns?

If your parents do not file U.S. tax returns, you will need to submit alternative documentation to the College Board’s Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC) as part of the CSS Profile process. This documentation may vary depending on the requirements of your school, but common examples include foreign tax returns, wage statements, or other proof of income and assets. It’s important to review the specific documentation requirements for your school and follow the instructions provided by IDOC for submitting your documents securely.

What is my citizenship status?

Your citizenship status refers to your legal status as a citizen or non-citizen of a particular country. When completing the CSS Profile, you will need to indicate your citizenship status based on your current legal status. This includes providing information about your country of citizenship and any relevant immigration or visa documentation. It’s important to answer these questions accurately and honestly to ensure the accuracy of your application.

IDOC

How do I know if my institution uses IDOC?

Not all institutions use the College Board’s Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC), so it’s important to check the specific requirements of each school you’re applying to. You can usually find this information on the school’s financial aid website or by contacting their financial aid office directly. If your school does use IDOC, they will provide you with instructions on how to submit your required documentation through the IDOC system.

How long do my documents take to process, and how do I identify the current status of my uploaded documents?

The processing time for your documents will vary depending on the volume of submissions and the specific requirements of your school. In general, it can take a few weeks for your documents to be processed and for the status to be updated in the IDOC system. You can check the status of your uploaded documents by logging into your IDOC account and reviewing the document tracking page. This page will provide information on which documents have been received, processed, or if any additional information is required.

How do I access IDOC?

To access IDOC, you will need to log into your College Board account and navigate to the CSS Profile section. From there, you can access the IDOC system by clicking on the “Submit Documents” button. This will take you to the IDOC website, where you can upload and submit your required documents securely. It’s important to follow the instructions provided by IDOC and your school to ensure that your documents are submitted correctly.

How do I know what documents I need to submit?

The specific documents you need to submit will vary depending on the requirements of your school and your individual circumstances. After you submit the CSS Profile, your school will review your information and determine which additional documents are required. You will receive an email notification from IDOC with instructions on how to submit your required documents. It’s important to carefully review this email and follow the instructions provided to ensure that you submit all the necessary documents.

What is the process for uploading documents?

The process for uploading documents to IDOC is as follows:

1. Gather all the required documents as specified by your school and the instructions provided by IDOC.
2. Scan or save your documents as PDF files. Make sure the files are clear, legible, and within the size limits specified by IDOC.
3. Log into your IDOC account and navigate to the document tracking page.
4. Click on the “Upload” button or follow the instructions provided to upload your documents.
5. Select the appropriate document type for each file you upload.
6. Review your uploaded documents to ensure they are correct and complete.
7. Submit your documents by clicking on the “Submit” button or following the instructions provided.

It’s important to follow the instructions provided by IDOC and your school to ensure that your documents are submitted correctly.

How is my information protected?

The College Board takes the security and privacy of your information seriously. When you submit documents through IDOC, your information is encrypted and transmitted securely using industry-standard SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology. The College Board has implemented various security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular system monitoring. Additionally, the College Board adheres to all applicable laws and regulations regarding data privacy and security.

Corrections

What if I made a mistake on my CSS Profile?

If you made a mistake on your CSS Profile after submitting it, you can make corrections to your application. To make corrections, log into your CSS Profile account and navigate to the section of the application that needs to be corrected. Make the necessary changes and submit the corrected application. It’s important to note that you can only make corrections to certain sections of the application, such as your contact information or school selection. Once you submit your CSS Profile to a school, you cannot make changes to that specific school’s application.

How many corrections can I make?

There is no limit to the number of corrections you can make to your CSS Profile. However, it’s important to note that you can only make corrections to certain sections of the application, such as your contact information or school selection. Once you submit your CSS Profile to a school, you cannot make changes to that specific school’s application. If you need to make corrections to other sections of the application, such as your financial information, you will need to contact the financial aid office of the school directly to discuss your situation.

How do I add parent data to my application?

To add parent data to your CSS Profile application, log into your CSS Profile account and navigate to the “Family” section of the application. You will be prompted to enter information about your parents, including their names, contact information, and financial details. If you already entered parent information but need to make changes or add additional parent information, you can edit the existing entries or add new entries as needed. Follow the prompts and provide accurate and up-to-date information about your parents to ensure the accuracy of your application.

Other

Who do I contact with additional questions about the CSS Profile?

If you have additional questions about the CSS Profile, you can contact the College Board directly for assistance. They have a dedicated customer service team that can answer your questions and provide guidance. You can reach the College Board by phone, email, or through their online contact form. The contact information for the College Board can usually be found on their website or in the CSS Profile application itself.

Who do I contact with additional questions about IDOC?

If you have additional questions about IDOC, you can contact the College Board’s IDOC support team for assistance. They can provide guidance on the document submission process, help troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing, and answer any questions you have about the IDOC system. The contact information for the IDOC support team can usually be found on the IDOC website or in the CSS Profile application.

Who do I contact with additional questions as a Financial Aid Administrator or Counselor?

If you are a financial aid administrator or counselor and have additional questions about the CSS Profile or IDOC, you can contact the College Board’s Institutional Support team for assistance. They can provide guidance on the application process, answer technical questions, and provide support for your institution’s use of the CSS Profile and IDOC. The contact information for the Institutional Support team can usually be found on the College Board website or by contacting the College Board directly.

¿Tiene preguntas en español?

Si tiene preguntas en español sobre el CSS Profile o IDOC, puede comunicarse con el servicio de atención al cliente del College Board en español. El equipo de atención al cliente en español puede responder sus preguntas y brindarle asistencia en su idioma. Puede comunicarse con el College Board en español a través del teléfono, correo electrónico o utilizando el formulario de contacto en línea. La información de contacto en español del College Board se encuentra generalmente en su sitio web o en la aplicación del CSS Profile.