Does Caltech Require the CSS Profile?
Caltech requires the CSS Profile for institutional aid and uses CSS code 4034. Its published applicant dates are priority deadlines rather than aid cutoffs: Caltech says a late complete application can still receive the same aid, but the decision will arrive later.
CSS Profile
RequiredFirst-year applicants seeking Caltech institutional need-based aid submit the CSS Profile. Eligible domestic applicants also file the FAFSA, while international first-year applicants use the Profile but do not file a FAFSA. International transfer and 3/2 applicants cannot receive Caltech aid.
CSS school code
4034Caltech's CSS Profile code is 4034. Use that code to send the form to California Institute of Technology.
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 divorced, separated, or never married, Caltech requires the noncustodial parent to complete a separate 2026–27 CSS Profile. The noncustodial filing stays private from the custodial household, and Caltech provides a documented waiver request for exceptional cases.
Documents and next steps
Use Caltech CSS code 4034. Regular Decision applicants submit the Profile and the student's, parents', and applicable noncustodial parent's 2024 signed returns and W-2s after admission, routing the requested tax records and nonfiler statements through IDOC.
Official sources for this answer
- Caltech 2026–27 CSS Profile instructions (checked August 2, 2026)
- Caltech financial aid deadlines (checked August 2, 2026)
- Caltech Regular Decision aid checklist (checked August 2, 2026)
- Caltech noncustodial parent instructions (checked August 2, 2026)
Common questions
Does Caltech require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Caltech requires the CSS Profile for institutional aid and uses CSS code 4034. Its published applicant dates are priority deadlines rather than aid cutoffs: Caltech says a late complete application can still receive the same aid, but the decision will arrive later.
What is Caltech's CSS Profile code?
Caltech's CSS Profile code is 4034. Use that code to send the form to California Institute of Technology.
When is Caltech's financial aid deadline?
Restrictive Early Action priority deadline: December 15, 2025; Regular Decision priority deadline: March 16, 2026; Continuing student priority deadline: May 20, 2026.
Is the FAFSA enough for Caltech?
Not for Caltech's institutional aid. Eligible students should file the FAFSA for federal aid, but Caltech 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.