The CSS Profile is an optional financial aid form that only a select number of colleges use to determine institutional need-based aid. This form is used in conjunction with the federal FAFSA form. You must pay to submit the CSS profile (there are fee waivers for those in financial need). The form is released October 1st and there are some colleges that require its submission by as early as October 15th. Double-check the website (www.collegeboard.com) to see if any of the colleges your student is applying to take the CSS Profile and double-check their due date.
In general, the CSS Profile gets to more detailed information about your finances and can be a financial blessing or a hindrance depending on your family financial circumstances:
CSS Profile HELPS:
If you have outstanding debt (medical expenses, flood damage, etc.)
If you support extended family members (in nursing home, out of the country, etc)
CSS Profile HURTS:
If you have a trust fund, et al.
In general, the CSS Profile gets to more detailed information about your finances and can be a financial blessing or a hindrance depending on your family financial circumstances:
CSS Profile HELPS:
If you have outstanding debt (medical expenses, flood damage, etc.)
If you support extended family members (in nursing home, out of the country, etc)
CSS Profile HURTS:
If you have a trust fund, et al.