Does Columbia Require the CSS Profile?
Columbia requires the CSS Profile for Columbia University Grant consideration and uses CSS code 2116 for both Columbia College and undergraduate Engineering. Choosing another Columbia code can delay the file.
CSS Profile
RequiredApplicants to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering who want Columbia University Grant aid submit the CSS Profile. Eligible domestic applicants also file the FAFSA; international applicants must request aid when applying for admission.
CSS school code
2116Columbia's CSS Profile code is 2116. Use that code to send the form to Columbia University.
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?
Columbia requires financial information from both biological or adoptive parents. Parents together file one CSS Profile; parents living separately each file a Profile, and applicable stepparent information is included with the relevant parent.
Documents and next steps
Use CSS code 2116 for Columbia College and Columbia Engineering, not one of Columbia's graduate-school codes. Applicants upload requested tax documents and a noncustodial-parent waiver, when needed, through College Board IDOC.
Official sources for this answer
- Columbia 2026–27 CSS Profile instructions (checked August 2, 2026)
- Columbia undergraduate school codes (checked August 2, 2026)
- Columbia regular decision CSS instructions (checked August 2, 2026)
Common questions
Does Columbia require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Columbia requires the CSS Profile for Columbia University Grant consideration and uses CSS code 2116 for both Columbia College and undergraduate Engineering. Choosing another Columbia code can delay the file.
What is Columbia's CSS Profile code?
Columbia's CSS Profile code is 2116. Use that code to send the form to Columbia University.
When is Columbia's financial aid deadline?
Early Decision: November 15; Regular Decision: February 15.
Is the FAFSA enough for Columbia?
Not for Columbia's institutional aid. Eligible students should file the FAFSA for federal aid, but Columbia 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.