Does Colgate Require the CSS Profile?

Colgate requires the CSS Profile for its need-based aid and uses CSS code 2086. International applicants facing significant cost can request a fee-waiver code in the applicant portal by their admission-plan deadline, but Colgate does not accept a paper or PDF Profile.

CSS Profile

Required

Prospective students seeking Colgate need-based aid submit the CSS Profile, including domestic, international, undocumented, and DACA applicants. Eligible domestic applicants also file the FAFSA; federal-only applicants may use the FAFSA alone.

CSS school code

2086

Colgate's CSS Profile code is 2086. Use that code to send the form to Colgate University.

Published financial aid deadlines

Early Decision INovember 1
Early Decision II and Regular DecisionJanuary 15
Spring transferNovember 1
Fall transferMarch 15
Current domestic student renewalJanuary 31

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?

When biological or adoptive parents live apart and are divorced, separated, or were never married, Colgate requires each parent to submit a separate CSS Profile for that household. Colgate generally treats students under age 27 as dependent for its aid review.

Documents and next steps

Use Colgate CSS code 2086. Applicants selected for institutional or federal verification receive IDOC access and must upload requested records there; Colgate does not accept those documents by email, fax, or mail. The applicant portal shows outstanding requirements.

Official sources for this answer

Common questions

Does Colgate require the CSS Profile?

Yes. Colgate requires the CSS Profile for its need-based aid and uses CSS code 2086. International applicants facing significant cost can request a fee-waiver code in the applicant portal by their admission-plan deadline, but Colgate does not accept a paper or PDF Profile.

What is Colgate's CSS Profile code?

Colgate's CSS Profile code is 2086. Use that code to send the form to Colgate University.

When is Colgate's financial aid deadline?

Early Decision I: November 1; Early Decision II and Regular Decision: January 15; Spring transfer: November 1; Fall transfer: March 15; Current domestic student renewal: January 31.

Is the FAFSA enough for Colgate?

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