After you submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you should expect to receive correspondence from the school you plan to attend. You may receive an award letter listing all of the financial assistance your school can offer you, or you may be asked to provide additional information or documentation before your financial aid can be determined. You may even be selected for a process called verification.
Verification is the method your school uses to confirm the data provided on your FAFSA is accurate. The federal government requires colleges and universities to verify or confirm the information reported by some students and their parent(s) on this form. There are many reasons why a student is chosen for this process. You may be selected at random, your FAFSA application may be incomplete or your FAFSA may contain contradicting information.
If you’re chosen for verification, don’t fret. This is a common procedure, so be sure to address your school’s requests as soon as possible and update and/or correct your FAFSA as needed. Once the process is complete, your financial aid award should be finalized. If you have questions, contact your school’s financial aid office.