We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.


CSS/Financial Aid PRofILE®

Categories: Education, Careers

Everyone wants to get into the act of college financial aid. High interest rates charged to teenagers. Lucrative business...if they pay you back.

The CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE® (known as the CSS PROFILE, or the College Scholarship Service Profile) is a financial aid application administered by the College Board (the same people who bring you the SATs and Advanced Placement tests). This application is different from the government-run FAFSA application that most colleges use. The CSS Profile gives colleges that choose to be part of this program (usually private, not state schools) the opportunity to take a closer look into the finances of a student’s family, since it's more detailed than the FAFSA. Financial aid is then awarded from sources that are not part of government-sponsored loans.

Find other enlightening terms in Shmoop Finance Genius Bar(f)