Verification
The Department of Education through the FAFSA Processing System (FPS) selects applicants for verification. Verification is a process in which the Office of Financial Aid Administration is required to check the accuracy of information reported on all selected FAFSAs. If you would like to learn more about verification, please visit studentaid.gov. Once all required documents are submitted, the verification process can take approximately 3-6 weeks to complete. Our office will submit changes to your FAFSA if required.
The following types of documentation are requested via email and reflected in your PAWS To-Do List.
- Forms can be found under the Forms tab, be sure to select the right year.
- Complete, print, and submit required documents via email, mail, fax, or in person. Cross out any social security numbers. Do not email forms that include social security numbers. **Secure Dropbox is now available for submitting documents and forms. Please read the instructions carefully to avoid us having to return anything. If submitting multiple pages, please combine those into one document.
- Tax information typically is imported directly from the IRS. In some cases, we are required to collect your 2022 tax information. If this applies to you, it will be reflected on your PAWS To-Do List. The below documents are acceptable:
- 2022 signed copy of federal tax return (1040), including schedules 1, 2, and 3 if applicable.
- 2022 IRS tax return transcript, obtained at www.irs.gov. Make sure to request the “Return Transcript” and NOT the “Account Transcript”.
- 2022 signed copy of foreign tax return (if applicable)
There are strict deadlines, so the verification process must be completed in a timely manner. Failure to complete verification requirements will prevent you from receiving a financial aid offer.
To be considered for a Federal Pell Grant, verification materials must be submitted no later than 120 days after the last day of attendance, or by the published date set by Department of Education in September, whichever is earlier.
For all other programs, verification materials must be submitted, and aid eligibility determined no later than the last date of attendance. A loan cannot be offered to you within two days of your last date of attendance.
If you are required to provide tax information, but the above options have not worked for you, look for your situation and find additional information here.
Other types of documentation
We may need to verify additional information. If so, you will be able to view any details by selecting each item in your PAWS To-Do List. Examples of additional information we may need to verify include:
- Citizenship
- Loan Default
- Loan Discharge
- Veteran Status
- Social Security Number/Name/Date of Birth Discrepancies