Does Santa Clara Require the CSS Profile?
Santa Clara uses CSS code 4851 and asks first-year students to file the Profile for its full range of grants and scholarships. Its process is unusually simple for separated-parent families: SCU requires neither a Non-Custodial Profile nor IDOC documents.
CSS Profile
RequiredDomestic first-year applicants submit the CSS Profile to be considered for Santa Clara's full range of scholarships and grants and add the FAFSA for federal aid. Students who skip the Profile receive merit-only consideration, while international applicants follow a separate proof-of-funds process.
CSS school code
4851Santa Clara's CSS Profile code is 4851. Use that code to send the form to Santa Clara 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?
Santa Clara explicitly does not require the Non-Custodial CSS Profile, so an applicant with parents living apart should not assume that a second parent submission is part of SCU's standard checklist. Families should still answer the primary Profile's household questions accurately.
Documents and next steps
Use Santa Clara CSS code 4851 and FAFSA code 001326. SCU says it does not require documents through IDOC, so do not create an IDOC packet for this school. California residents should separately confirm that their high school submitted the Cal Grant GPA verification by March 2.
Official sources for this answer
- Santa Clara first-year financial aid instructions (checked August 2, 2026)
- Santa Clara international student funding guidance (checked August 2, 2026)
Common questions
Does Santa Clara require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Santa Clara uses CSS code 4851 and asks first-year students to file the Profile for its full range of grants and scholarships. Its process is unusually simple for separated-parent families: SCU requires neither a Non-Custodial Profile nor IDOC documents.
What is Santa Clara's CSS Profile code?
Santa Clara's CSS Profile code is 4851. Use that code to send the form to Santa Clara University.
When is Santa Clara's financial aid deadline?
Early Decision I and Early Action: November 15; Early Decision II: January 15; Regular Decision: February 1.
Is the FAFSA enough for Santa Clara?
Not for Santa Clara's institutional aid. Eligible students should file the FAFSA for federal aid, but Santa Clara 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.