Does Boston University Require the CSS Profile?

Boston University requires the CSS Profile for first-year applicants seeking BU need-based aid and uses undergraduate CSS code 3087. Its medical school has a different code.

CSS Profile

Required

First-year U.S. citizens and permanent residents applying for Boston University need-based financial aid submit both the 2027–28 CSS Profile and FAFSA by the applicable admission-plan deadline. Federal- or state-aid-only applicants use the FAFSA without the Profile.

CSS school code

3087

Boston University's CSS Profile code is 3087. Use that code to send the form to Boston University.

Published financial aid deadlines

Early DecisionNovember 2

Early Decision IIJanuary 5

Regular AdmissionJanuary 5

These are the school's currently published 2027–28 dates. A late or updated application cycle can use different dates, so confirm the deadline shown in your applicant portal.

Which parent files?

When biological or adoptive parents do not share a household, the parent providing more support supplies information on the student's Profile and the other parent files a separate Profile. BU offers a noncustodial-parent waiver request when that filing is impossible.

Documents and next steps

Use undergraduate CSS code 3087 and FAFSA code 002130. BU may request income documents after reviewing the applications, so applicants should monitor the MyBU Applicant Portal and upload only the items BU requests.

Official sources for this answer

Boston University 2027–28 first-year aid instructions (checked September 25, 2026)
Boston University Financial Assistance deadlines (checked September 25, 2026)

Common questions

Does Boston University require the CSS Profile?

Yes. Boston University requires the CSS Profile for first-year applicants seeking BU need-based aid and uses undergraduate CSS code 3087. Its medical school has a different code.

What is Boston University's CSS Profile code?

Boston University's CSS Profile code is 3087. Use that code to send the form to Boston University.

When is Boston University's financial aid deadline?

Early Decision: November 2; Early Decision II: January 5; Regular Admission: January 5.

Is the FAFSA enough for Boston University?

Not for Boston University's institutional aid. Eligible students should file the FAFSA for federal aid, but Boston University 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.

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