The CSS Profile is the financial aid application used by most private US universities to award institutional grants to international undergraduate students. Different from FAFSA (US-citizens only); also distinct from grad-school aid which works through department-level funding.
1-3 hours of form-filling
$25 first school + $16 per additional school (waivers available)
cssprofile.collegeboard.org
A detailed online financial questionnaire administered by the College Board. Schools use it to compute how much institutional aid (free money) to offer you.
For most need-based scholarships at private US universities, the CSS Profile is what unlocks the aid. International students cannot file FAFSA — the CSS Profile is the parallel tool.
Go to cssprofile.collegeboard.org and create an account.
Gather your family's financial information: parental income, taxes paid, assets, household size, siblings' education.
Apply for a fee waiver if you qualify (usually granted for low-income international students).
Complete the form carefully — it takes 1-3 hours. Save frequently.
Submit to all the CSS Profile member schools you are applying to.
Recent statements from a bank account in your home country showing sufficient funds for tuition + living for at least one academic year. Used in financial aid applications and visa interviews.
A signed letter from your financial sponsor (usually a parent or relative) committing to fund your education, accompanied by their proof of income.
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