Does Stanford Require the CSS Profile?
Stanford requires the CSS Profile for institutional scholarship consideration and uses CSS code 4704. Students seeking only federal or state aid do not need the CSS Profile.
CSS Profile
RequiredFirst-year applicants seeking Stanford need-based institutional scholarships submit the CSS Profile and IDOC. U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens also submit the FAFSA.
CSS school code
4704Stanford's CSS Profile code is 4704. Use that code to send the form to Stanford 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?
If parents are divorced, separated, or were never married, each parent provides CSS Profile information with separate login credentials. Applicants without contact with a noncustodial parent may request a waiver through IDOC.
Documents and next steps
IDOC instructions arrive after the CSS Profile is filed. Stanford's 2026–27 checklist asks for 2024 parent tax returns, schedules, W-2s, and other earnings statements; separate parents submit documents separately.
Official sources for this answer
- Stanford Financial Aid Office (checked August 2, 2026)
- Stanford regular decision aid checklist (checked August 2, 2026)
Common questions
Does Stanford require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Stanford requires the CSS Profile for institutional scholarship consideration and uses CSS code 4704. Students seeking only federal or state aid do not need the CSS Profile.
What is Stanford's CSS Profile code?
Stanford's CSS Profile code is 4704. Use that code to send the form to Stanford University.
When is Stanford's financial aid deadline?
Restrictive Early Action: November 15; Regular Decision: February 15; Transfer: March 15.
Is the FAFSA enough for Stanford?
Not for Stanford's institutional aid. Eligible students should file the FAFSA for federal aid, but Stanford 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.