Federal Verification Process
**Please reference Self-Service Financial Aid for a complete list of required documentation.**
You MUST include your (student’s) name and CCU ID number on all documents submitted. Failure to do so will result in a delay of the processing of your documents.
What is Verification?
Verification is a process in which information on a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is reviewed by a school for accuracy and completeness.
Approximately 30% of all FAFSAs received each year are selected by the Federal Department of Education for the verification process. Documentation of the information supplied by the applicant and/or parent(s) on the FAFSA is required to complete verification.
How do I know if I’m selected?
There are multiple ways to determine if you have been selected for the verification process including:
- There will be an asterisk next to your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)/Student Aid Index (SAI) on your Student Aid Report/FAFSA Submission Summary.
- You will also be informed of having been selected for verification in the SAR Acknowledgement letter, which will be included with your SAR documents or on your FAFSA Submission Summary.
- Coastal Carolina University students will receive an email from Financial Aid and Scholarships directing them to the Required Documents section in Self-Service Financial Aid.
Why was I selected?
Many students selected for verification are chosen randomly by the Federal Department of Education. However, you are more likely to be selected for verification if the data you provided on the FAFSA was inconsistent, incomplete, or estimated. Financial Aid and Scholarships also has the authority to select students for verification.
I’m selected, what now?
If your FAFSA was selected, participation in the verification process is not optional and must be completed before receiving federal student financial aid, to include but not limited to, Pell Grant, Direct Student Loans and Parent PLUS loans. Some state and institutional aid may also require the completion of verification. It is very important to respond promptly to all requests for verification information. Delays in response or submission of incomplete verification documentation will delay the offer of a student financial aid award package. Students and/or parent(s) must submit the required documentation to verify the information supplied on your FAFSA. Do not send documentation to Financial Aid and Scholarships unless you have been selected.
During the process of verification, new or additional information may be required in order to clarify any inconsistencies. Financial Aid and Scholarships will contact you via your university email account, mailing address, or phone number if additional documentation is required. All required documentation will also be listed in Self-Service Financial Aid under Required Documents. It is important to submit any requested documentation immediately.
Verification is completed only when all required information is received. However, your financial aid cannot be awarded until your submitted documentation has been verified by Financial Aid and Scholarships, and the Department of Education has received and accepted changes to the original FAFSA information.
What documentation is required to complete the verification process?
The required documentation is dependent upon which verification tracking group you have been assigned by the Department of Education. To ensure you submit only the required documentation, refer to the Required Documents section in Self-Service Financial Aid.
What if I and/or my parent(s) am/are required to provide tax information?
We highly recommend that you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool through the FAFSA if you are eligible. Please refer to the eligibility requirements here. This tool allows you and/or your parent(s) to request and retrieve income and tax data directly from the IRS. If you have not submitted your FAFSA, you and/or your parent will be able to use this process during the initial filing. If you have already completed the FAFSA, you and/or your parent(s) may go back and utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool by making a correction to your FAFSA through the following process.
If you and/or your parent are ineligible or unable to utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool then you and/or your parent may provide a copy of one of the following:
- Signed copy of the federal tax return form (including Schedules 1, 2, 3 and Schedule C, if applicable) that was submitted to the IRS and separate W-2 forms OR
- Copy of the IRS Tax Return Transcript and separate W-2 forms.
You can get your free IRS Tax Return Transcript online or by mail.- Visit IRS.gov and use the Get Transcript tool.
- You can receive transcripts online or by mail (typically within 5-10 days from the time IRS receives your request).
- Complete Form 4506T-EZ and follow the instructions.
- For additional information, please click here.
Additional Information:
For more information please refer to Financial Aid and Scholarships 2023-24 Verification Policies and Procedures.
Please click on the appropriate link below for the required documents to complete the verification process.