Does Amherst Require the CSS Profile?
Amherst requires the CSS Profile for institutional aid and uses CSS code 3003. Its current first-year and transfer guide publishes 2026–27 deadlines, requires a separate Profile from each parent household, and collects complete family tax records through IDOC.
CSS Profile
RequiredFirst-year and transfer applicants seeking Amherst institutional aid submit the CSS Profile. Eligible U.S. applicants also file the FAFSA for federal aid, while Canadian and other international applicants submit the Profile but do not complete the FAFSA.
CSS school code
3003Amherst's CSS Profile code is 3003. Use that code to send the form to Amherst College.
Published financial aid deadlines
These are the school's currently published 2026–27 dates. A late or updated application cycle can use different dates, so confirm the deadline shown in your applicant portal.
Which parent files?
If parents are separated or divorced, each biological or adoptive parent completes a separate CSS Profile with different login credentials. Amherst recommends that the student and parent of financial record file first so the second parent can complete the required submission.
Documents and next steps
Use Amherst CSS code 3003. Upload 2024 U.S., Puerto Rican, or foreign tax returns, all schedules and attachments, W-2s, and applicable business or partnership returns through College Board IDOC for the student and every required parent.
Official sources for this answer
- Amherst 2026–27 first-year and transfer aid instructions (checked August 2, 2026)
Common questions
Does Amherst require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Amherst requires the CSS Profile for institutional aid and uses CSS code 3003. Its current first-year and transfer guide publishes 2026–27 deadlines, requires a separate Profile from each parent household, and collects complete family tax records through IDOC.
What is Amherst's CSS Profile code?
Amherst's CSS Profile code is 3003. Use that code to send the form to Amherst College.
When is Amherst's financial aid deadline?
QuestBridge: November 1, 2026; Early Decision: November 13, 2026; Regular Decision: January 15, 2027; Spring transfer: November 2, 2026; Fall transfer: March 1, 2027.
Is the FAFSA enough for Amherst?
Not for Amherst's institutional aid. Eligible students should file the FAFSA for federal aid, but Amherst uses the CSS Profile separately to evaluate its own need-based funding.
Estimate the rest of your aid
The CSS Profile does not tell you what federal aid you may receive. Estimate that separately, then compare the result with each college's net price and your outside scholarship options.