One of the biggest differences between the FAFSA and the CSS Profile pertains to how divorced or separated parents complete the forms. Unlike the FAFSA, often both the custodial and noncustodial parent will need to submit a CSS Profile. We explain the details here.
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[00:00:00] One of the biggest differences between the FAFSA and the CSS profile, which some colleges want, in addition to the FAFSA, pertains to how divorced or separated parents file. Most colleges that want a CSS profile will expect both a custodial and non-custodial parent to file a profile. If either parent is remarried, the new spouse’s income and asset information will also need to be listed.
The two profiles will remain separate so that information from each party won’t be visible to the other. Here’s how it works. When the student is completing the profile, the form will ask about the parent’s marital status. When divorced or separated is listed, the student will be asked to list the contact information, including the email address of the non-custodial parent.
At this point, the profile will email the non-custodial parent [00:01:00] a link to the profile that they need to complete. Now, I know that not every family can do this. There are times when there is no contact between parents for safety or other reasons. I. So there is a process to apply for a noncustodial profile waiver, meaning you don’t need to include information from that parent.
Whether or not that will be granted is up to each individual college’s financial aid office. If you have other questions on completing the CSS profile, here’s where you can reach us.
