What is it and how are students notified?
Verification is a process of review, mandated by the federal government, that determines the accuracy of the information submitted by the student and family on the FAFSA. The federal verification process was established to ensure that limited financial aid dollars are awarded to eligible students in an equitable and consistent manner. Nationwide, the federal government selects more than 30% of student financial aid applications for verification.
If you are selected for verification, you will receive a request for documentation from CMU. We may request W-2s, parent and student federal tax transcripts and other records as required. Please wait until you receive a request from CMU before mailing your documentation.
To retain your eligibility for federal financial aid, you are required to comply with our request for documentation. We appreciate your cooperation.
If you have been paid financial aid that is later canceled as a result of the verification process, you must return the payment. If your aid changes, we will notify you via an email to your CMU account.
What items may be verified?
Household Size
Number in College
Income Earned from Work
Adjusted Gross Income
Taxes Paid
Untaxed Portions of Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Distributions
Untaxed Portions of Pensions
IRA Deductions and Payments
Tax-Exempt Interest Income
Education Tax Credits
What is the deadline for submitting documentation?
All verification documents must be submitted to the OSFA by the last date of attendance during the award year or all federal and state aid will be canceled.