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

What to Expect

Students and families can expect questions on the types of information below. Throughout the application, we link to some of our most commonly asked questions.

Student Information

Applicants can expect to answer questions about the student, including information about their current school year, expected college enrollment plans, residence, student income, and assets. Hint: questions about the student will typically include the student name within the question.

Parent Information

The application will include questions about the student's parent(s) or guardian(s), with questions regarding parent residence, employment, income, expenses, and assets. Hint: questions about the parents will typically include the parent/guardian name within the question.

Household Information

Applicants can expect to answer questions about any siblings or other family members living in the household. Including name, age, current school and year in school, expected enrollment.

Special Circumstances

CSS Profile includes a "Special Circumstances" question to help families provide a more complete picture of their financial circumstances, including unexpected medical expenses, job changes, or other.

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 mistake's 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