Verification Process
When students apply for federal financial aid, the U.S. Department of Education verifies information with the following federal agencies:
- Social Security Administration - for verification of social security number and United States citizenship status
- Selective Service System - for verification of Selective Service Registration status
- Department of Homeland Security - for verification of eligible non-citizenship status
- Department of Justice - for verification that an applicant has not been denied federal student aid by the courts as the result of a drug-related conviction
- Department of Veterans Affairs - for verification of veteran status
Students and applicants who apply for need-based financial aid may be asked by our office to supply additional documentation to verify the information that was reported on the FAFSA. Students will be awarded financial aid once all documentation has been received and evaluated. Accepted applicants will receive a tentative award based upon the ISIR information provided by the federal processor and may be asked to provide additional documentation if selected for verification. The verification process requires that selected students and applicants submit a copy of their current year's federal income tax return, including all schedules and W-2's. If you are married and filed separate federal income tax returns, you must provide a copy of both you and your spouse's federal income tax returns with all schedules and W-2 forms. Federal income tax returns must be signed and dated.