Does Wisconsin–Madison Require the CSS Profile?

UW–Madison discontinued the CSS Profile beginning with fall 2027, so 2027–28 applicants file the FAFSA and there is no current CSS code to submit. Incoming 2026–27 first-year and transfer applicants remain the final exception and still use CSS code 1846.

CSS Profile

Not used

Beginning with fall 2027, UW–Madison no longer accepts the CSS Profile and uses the FAFSA for financial aid. The outgoing 2026–27 cycle is different: incoming first-degree, on-campus U.S. first-year and transfer students still submit both the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

CSS school code

None

Wisconsin–Madison has no CSS Profile code because it does not use the form. Submit the FAFSA directly to Wisconsin–Madison instead.

Published financial aid deadlines

2027–28 FAFSA becomes availableOctober 1, 2026
2027–28 FAFSA priority consideration deadlineDecember 1, 2026
Incoming student WiSH scholarship deadlinesTypically early February

These are the school's currently published 2027–28 dates. A late or updated application cycle can use different dates, so confirm the deadline shown in your applicant portal.

Which parent files?

For 2027–28, dependent students follow only the federal FAFSA contributor rules. The outgoing 2026–27 CSS cycle collected both parents and applicable remarried partners, with noncustodial-parent waivers approved only in rare, well-documented circumstances.

Documents and next steps

Use UW–Madison FAFSA code 003895 and do not submit a 2027–28 CSS Profile. CSS code 1846 applies only to the outgoing 2026–27 incoming-student requirement. Monitor university email and the MyUW Student Center for requested records, and use WiSH separately for scholarship applications.

Official sources for this answer

Common questions

Does Wisconsin–Madison require the CSS Profile?

No. UW–Madison discontinued the CSS Profile beginning with fall 2027, so 2027–28 applicants file the FAFSA and there is no current CSS code to submit. Incoming 2026–27 first-year and transfer applicants remain the final exception and still use CSS code 1846.

What is Wisconsin–Madison's CSS Profile code?

Wisconsin–Madison has no CSS Profile code because it does not use the form. Submit the FAFSA directly to Wisconsin–Madison instead.

When is Wisconsin–Madison's financial aid deadline?

2027–28 FAFSA becomes available: October 1, 2026; 2027–28 FAFSA priority consideration deadline: December 1, 2026; Incoming student WiSH scholarship deadlines: Typically early February.

Is the FAFSA enough for Wisconsin–Madison?

No. Eligible U.S. students file the FAFSA for federal aid, while Wisconsin–Madison uses the FAFSA 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.

Other colleges

Finish the forms, then find more aid

Match with scholarships you qualify for and get help with every application.