Information for Parents

Learn more about completing the CSS Profile as a parent and creating an account as a divorced, separated, or noncustodial parent.

Participating Institutions

Creating an Account for Parent Use

To complete a CSS Profile application as a parent, it is recommended that you use your student's College Board account. There are situations in which a parent will need to create their own account.

Noncustodial Parent Accounts

Most common: If you are a noncustodial parent, you will need to create a College Board student account using your (the parent's) information.

Other Parent Accounts

If you are the primary parent and do not want to share financial information on your student's account, you may create a separate College Board student account using your (the parent's) information.

Questions for Students and Parents

The application starts by gathering information about the student. This information is important to get right as it is used to link your application to the students. If you mistype the student’s name, date of birth, or Social Security Number, the two applications will not be properly linked when sent to schools which can cause delays processing the students financial aid application.

Common Mistakes

Sections and questions will be marked as to whether they are about the student or the parent. However, one of the most common mistakes parents make is to answer “Student Status” questions for themselves and not for their student. Most high school seniors will not have legal dependents they support, nor will they be veterans.

Additional Resources

CSS Profile Custodial Parent Tutorial

Watch our tutorial on reporting parental information on the CSS Profile.

Reporting Parental Information

CSS Profile Noncustodial Parent Tutorial

Watch our tutorial on completing the CSS Profile for noncustodial parents.

Tutorial for Noncustodial Parents