---
title: What is a CSS profile?
description: "The CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) is an online financial aid application run by the College Board that many US colleges use to decide how much non-federal financial aid (their own scholarships/grants) you should receive. The CSS Profile collects…"
url: "https://www.collegeaccessprogram.in/faq/what-is-a-css-profile/"
updated: "2026-05-13"
category: Study in USA
---

# What is a CSS profile?

The CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) is an online financial aid application run by the College Board that many US colleges use to decide how much non-federal financial aid (their own scholarships/grants) you should receive. The CSS Profile collects detailed financial information, like family income, assets, home value, and special circumstances, so universities can better assess your ability to pay . It is mainly required by private and selective universities, and you only fill it out if the colleges you’re applying to ask for it.