Does UC Berkeley Require the CSS Profile?
UC Berkeley does not require the CSS Profile and has no CSS Profile code. File the FAFSA or, when eligible under California AB 540 rules, the California Dream Act Application, then follow the checklist in CalCentral.
CSS Profile
Not usedU.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens seeking Berkeley aid complete the FAFSA. Undergraduate students who qualify for an AB 540 nonresident tuition exemption may apply for Berkeley Dream Act aid with the California Dream Act Application instead. Neither route uses the CSS Profile.
CSS school code
NoneUC Berkeley has no CSS Profile code because it does not use the form. Submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) directly to UC Berkeley instead.
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?
Dependent applicants provide the required parent contributor information on their FAFSA or California Dream Act Application. Berkeley does not require a separate noncustodial-parent CSS Profile, since its institutional-aid process does not use the CSS Profile at all.
Documents and next steps
Use Berkeley FAFSA code 001312 or select Berkeley on the California Dream Act Application. Check CalCentral for financial aid records, requested follow-up items, and award updates. Do not create a CSS Profile or IDOC packet for Berkeley unless a separate outside program explicitly asks for one.
Official sources for this answer
- UC Berkeley apply for aid instructions (checked August 2, 2026)
- University of California financial aid application guidance (checked August 2, 2026)
Common questions
Does UC Berkeley require the CSS Profile?
No. UC Berkeley does not require the CSS Profile and has no CSS Profile code. File the FAFSA or, when eligible under California AB 540 rules, the California Dream Act Application, then follow the checklist in CalCentral.
What is UC Berkeley's CSS Profile code?
UC Berkeley has no CSS Profile code because it does not use the form. Submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) directly to UC Berkeley instead.
When is UC Berkeley's financial aid deadline?
FAFSA or California Dream Act Application California priority deadline: March 2, 2026; Cal Grant GPA verification for eligible undergraduates: March 2, 2026.
Is the FAFSA enough for UC Berkeley?
No. Eligible U.S. students file the FAFSA for federal aid, while UC Berkeley uses the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for its own aid. Neither application replaces the other.
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.